v: 


J/        .         XAzJ^'ZyO-^/'Z-^ 


"Gf)tllf>lj  st<)])])e(l  short,  and,  kneeling,  lie    reverently  asked  the  monk 
to  bless  him." — The  Ilcidoiuiaiicr,  pajje  53. 


THE    HEIDENMAUER 


OR,    THE    BENEDICTINES 


A   LEGEND    OF   THE  RHINE 


BY 

J.   FENIMORE    COOPER 


"  From  mighty  wrongs  to  petty  perfidy. 
Have  I  not  scon  what  human  things  could  do." — Bvron 


CHICAGO    AND    NEW  YORK: 
BELFOKD,  CLAliKh]   ct    COMrANY, 

PUBLiaUERS. 


Gir. 


TROW'9 

fniNTING  AHO  BOOKBINDING  COMPANY, 

"EW  YORK. 


INTRODUCTION. 


"I  shall  crave  your  forbearance  a  little  ;  may  be,  I  will  call  upon  you 
anon,  for  some  advantage  to  yourself." — Measure  for  Pleasure. 

Contrary  to  a  long-established  usage,  a  summer  had 
been  passed  within  the  walls  of  a  large  town  ;  but,  the 
moment  of  liberation  arrived,  the  bird  does  not  quit  its 
cage  with  greater  pleasure  than  that  with  which  post- 
horses  w^ere  commanded.  We  were  four  in  a  light 
travelling  caleche,  which  strong  Nornian  cattle  transported 
merrily  towards  their  native  province.  For  a  time  we 
quitted  Paris,  the  queen  of  modern  cities,  with  its  tumults 
and  its  order  ;  its  palaces  and  its  lanes  ;  its  elegance  and 
its  filth ;  its  restless  inhabitants  and  its  stationary  politi- 
cians ;  its  theories  and  its  practices  ;  its  riches  and  its 
poverty  ;  its  gay  and  its  sorrowful  ;  its  rentiers  and  its 
patriots  ;  its  young  liberals  and  its  old  illiberals  ;  its  three 
estates  and  its  equality  ;  its  delicacy  of  speech  and  its 
strength  of  conduct ;  its  government  of  the  people  and  its 
people  of  no  government  ;  its  bayonets  and  its  moral 
force ;  its  science  and  its  ignorance  ;  its  amusements  and 
its  revolutions ;  its  resistance  that  goes  backward,  and  its 
movement  that  stands  still  ;  its  milliners,  its  philosophers, 
its  opera-dancers,  its  poets,  its  fiddlers,  its  bankers,  and  its 
cooks.  Although  so  long  enthralled  within  the  barriers, 
it  was  not  easy  to  quit  Paris  entirely  without  regret — 
Paris,  wliich  every  stranger  ccnsiu-es,  and  every  stranger 
seeks  ;  which  moralists  abhor  and  imitate  ;  which  causes 
the  heads  of  the  old  to  shake,  and  the  hearts  of  the  yotmg 
to  beat ; — Paris,  the  centre  of  so  much  that  is  excellent, 
and  of  so  much  that  cannot  be  named  ! 

That  night  we  laid  our  heads  on  rustic  pillows,  far  from 
the  Frencli  capital.  Tlie  succeeding  day  we  snuffed  the 
air  of  the  sea.     Passing  through  Artois  and  French  Flan- 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

dors,  on  the  fifth  morning  we  entered  the  new  kingdom  of 
Belgium,  by  the  historical  and  respectable  town  of  Douai, 
and  Tournai,  and  Ath.  At  every  step  we  met  the  flag 
which  tlutters  over  the  pavilion  of  the  Tuileries,  and 
recognized  the  confident  air  and  swinging  gait  of  French 
soldiers.  They  had  just  been  employed  in  propping  the 
crumbling  throne  of  the  house  of  Saxe.  To  us  they 
seemed  as  much  at  home  as  when  they  lounged  on  the 
Ouai  d'Orsay. 

There  was  still  abundant  evidence  visible  at  Brussels,  of 
the  fierce  nature  of  the  struggle  that  had  expelled  the 
Dutch.  Forty-six  shells  were  sticking  in  the  side  of  a 
single  building  of  no  great  size,  while  ninety-three  grape- 
shot  were  buried  in  one  of  its  pilasters!  In  our  own 
rooms,  too,  there  were  fearful  signs  of  war.  The  mirrors 
were  in  fragments,  the  walls  broken  by  langrage,  the 
w^ood-work  of  the  beds  was  pierced  by  shot,  and  the 
furniture  was  marked  by  rude  encounters.  The  trees  of 
the  park  were  mutilated  in  a  thousand  places,  and  one  of 
the  little  Cupids,  that  we  had  left  laughing  above  the 
principal  gate  three  years  before,  was  now  maimed  and 
melancholy,  whilst  its  companion  had  altogether  taken 
flight  on  the  wings  of  a  cannon-ball.  Though  dwelling  in 
the  very  centre  of  so  many  hostile  vestiges,  w^e  happily 
escaped  the  sight  of  human  blood  ;  for  w^e  understo(jd 
from  the  obliging  Swiss  who  presides  over  the  hotel  that 
his  cellars,  at  all  times  in  repute,  w^ere  in  more  than  usual 
request  during  the  siege.  From  so  much  proof  we  were 
left  to  infer,  that  the  Belgians  had  made  stout  battle  for 
their  emancipation,  one  sign  at  least  that  they  merited  to 
be  "free. 

Our  road  lay  by  Louvain,  Thirlemont,  Liege,  Aix-la- 
Chapellc,  and  Juliers,  to  the  Rhine.  The  former  of  these 
towns  had  been  the  scene  of  a  contest  between  the  hostile 
armies,  the  preceding  week.  As  the  Dutch  had  been 
accused  of  unusual  excesses  in  their  advance,  we  looked 
out  for  the  signs.  How"  many  of  these  marks  had  been 
already  obliterated,  we  could  not  well  ascertain  ;  but  those 
which  were  still  visible  gave  us  reason  to  think  that  the 
invaders  did  not  merit  all  the  opprobrium  they  had  re- 
ceived. Each  hour,  as  life  advances,  am  I  made  to  see 
how  capricious  and  vulgar  is  the  immortality  conferred  by 
a  newspaper ! 

It  would  be  injustice  to  the  ancient  Bishopric  of  Liege 


i.ytroduction:  5 

to  pass  its  beautiful  scenery  without  a  comment.  The 
country  possesses  nearly  every  requisite  for  the  milder 
and  more  rural  sort  of  landscape  ; — isolated  and  innumer- 
able farm-houses,  herds  in  the  fields,  living  hedges,  a 
waving  surface,  and  a  verdure  to  rival  the  emerald.  By  a 
happy  accident,  the  road  runs  for  miles  on  an  elevated 
ridge,  enabling  the  traveller  to  enjoy  these  beauties  at  his 
ease. 

At  Aix-la-Chapelle  we  bathed,  visited  the  relics,  saw  the 
scene  of  so  many  coronations  of  emperors  of  more  or  less 
renown,  sat  in  the  chair  of  Charlemagne,  and  went  our  way. 

The  Rhine  was  an  old  acquaintance.  A  few  years  earlier, 
I  had  stood  upon  tiie  sands,  at  Katwyck,  and  watched  its 
periodical  flow  into  the  North  Sea,  by  means  of  sluices 
made  in  the  short  reign  of  the  good  King  Louis,  and,  the 
same  summer,  I  had  bestrode  it,  a  brawling  brook,  on  the 
icy  side  of  St.  Gothard.  We  had  come  now  to  look  at  its 
beauties,  in  its  most  beautiful  part,  and  to  compare  them, 
so  far  as  native  partiality  might  permit,  with  the  well- 
established  claims  of  our  own  Hudson. 

Quitting  Cologne,  its  exquisite  but  incomplete  cathe- 
dral, with  the  crane  that  has  been  poised  on  its  unfinished 
towers  five  hundred  years,  its  recollections  of  Rubens  and 
his  royal  patroness,  we  travelled  up  the  stream  so  leisurely 
as  to  examine  all  tliat  offered,  and  yet  so  fast  as  to  avoid 
the  hazard  of  satiety.  Here  we  met  Prussian  soldiers,  pre- 
paring, by  mimic  service,  for  the  more  serious  duties  of 
their  calling.  Lancers  were  galloping,  in  bodies,  across 
the  open  fields  ;  videttes  were  posted,  the  cocked  pistol  in 
hand,  at  every  hay-stack  ;  while  couriers  rode,  under  the 
spur,  from  point  to  point,  as  if  the  great  strife,  wliich  is 
so  menacingly  preparing,  and  which  sooner  or  later  must 
come,  had  actually  commenced.  As  Europe  is  now  a  camp, 
these  hackneyed  sights  scarce  drew  a  look  aside.  We  were 
in  quest  of  the  interest  wliich  nature,  in  her  liappier 
hum(;rs,  bestows. 

Tliere  were  ruined  castles,  by  scores  ;  gray  fortresses, 
abbeys,  some  deserted  and  others  yet  tenanted  ;  villages 
and  towns  ;  the  seven  mountains  ;  cliffs  and  vineyards.  At 
every  step  we  felt  how  intimate  is  the  association  between 
the  poetry  of  Nature  and  that  of  art ;  between  the  hill-side 
with  its  falling  turret,  and  the  moral  feeling  that  lends 
them  interest.  Here  was  an  island,  of  no  particular  excel- 
lence, but  the  walls  of  a  convent  of  the  middle  ages  crimi- 


6  INTRODUCTION. 

bled  on  its  surface.  There  was  a  naked  rock,  destitute  of 
grandeur,  and  wanting  in  those  tints  which  milder  climates 
bestow,  but  a  baronial  hold  tottered  on  its  apex.  Here 
Caesar  led  his  legions  to  the  stream,  and  there  Napoleon 
threw  his  corps-d'armee  on  the  hostile  bank  ;  this  monu- 
ment w\as  to  Hoche,  and  from  that  terrace  the  great 
Adolphus  directed  his  battalions.  Time  is  wanting  to  mel- 
low the  view  of  our  own  historical  sites  ;  for  the  sympathy 
that  can  be  accumulated  only  by  the  general  consent  of 
mankind  has  not  yet  clothed  them  with  the  indefinable 
colors  of  distance  and  convention. 

In  the  mood  likely  to  be  created  by  a  flood  of  such  recol- 
lections, we  pursued  our  w^ay  along  the  southern  margin 
of  this  great  artery  of  central  Europe.  We  wondered  at 
the  vastness  of  the  Rheinfels,  admired  the  rare  jewel  of  the 
ruined  church  at  Baccarach,  and  marvelled  at  the  giddy 
precipice  on  which  a  prince  of  Prussia  even  now  dwells,  in 
the  eagle-like  grandeur  and  security  of  the  olden  time.  On 
reaching  xMayence,  the  evening  of  the  second  day,  we  de- 
liberately and,  as  we  hoped,  impartially  compared  what 
had  just  been  seen  with  that  which  is  so  well  and  so  affec- 
tionately remembered. 

I  had  been  familiar  with  the  Hudson  from  childhood. 
The  great  thoroughfare  of  all  w^ho  journey  from  the  inte- 
rior of  the  state  toward  the  sea,  necessity  had  early  made 
me  acquainted  with  its  windings,  its  promontories,  its 
islands,  its  cities,  and  its  villages.  Even  its  hidden  chan- 
nels had  been  professionally  examined,  and  time  was  w^hen 
there  did  not  stand  an  unknown  seat  on  its  banks,  or  a 
liamlet  that  had  not  been  visited.  Here  then  was  the  force 
of  deep  imipressions  to  oppose  to  the  influence  of  objects 
still  visible. 

To  me  it  is  quite  apparent  that  the  Rhine,  while  it  fre- 
quently possesses  more  of  any  particular  species  of  scenery, 
within  a  given  number  of  miles,  than  the  Hudson,  has 
none  of  so  great  excellence.  It  wants  the  variety,  the  noble 
beauty,  and  the  broad  grandeur  of  the  American  stream. 
The  latter,  within  the  distance  universally  admitted  to  con- 
tain the  finest  parts  of  the  Rhine,  is  both  a  large  and  a 
small  river;  it  has  its  bays,  its  narrow  passages  among  the 
meadows,  its  frowning  gorges,  and  its  reaches  resembling 
Italian  lakes  ;  whereas  the  most  that  can  be  said  of  its 
European  competitor,  is  that  all  these  wonderful  peculiari- 
ties are  feebly  imitated.     Ten  degrees  of  a  lower  latitude 


INTRODUCTION.  7 

supply  richer  tints,  brighter  transitions  of  light  and  shadow, 
and  more  glorious  changes  of  the  atmosphere,  to  embellish 
the  beauties  of  our  western  clime.  In  islands,  too,  the  ad- 
vantage is  with  the  Hudson,  for,  while  those  of  the  Rhine 
are  the  most  numerous,  those  of  the  former  stream  arc 
bolder,  better  placed,  and,  in  every  natural  feature,  of  more 
account. 

Wlien  the  comparison  between  these  celebrated  rivers  is 
extended  to  their  artificial  accessories,  the  result  becomes 
more  doubtful.  The  buildings  of  the  older  towns  and  vil- 
lages of  Europe  seemed  grouped  especially  for  effect,  as 
seen  in  the  distant  view,  though  security  was  in  truth  the 
cause,  while  the  spacious,  cleanly,  and  cheerful  villages  of 
America  must  commonly  be  entered,  to  be  appreciated. 
In  the  other  liemisphere,  the  maze  of  roofs,  the  church- 
towers,  the  irregular  faces  of  wall,  and  frequently  the 
castle  rising  to  a  pinnacle  in  the  rear,  give  a  town  the  ap- 
pearance of  some  vast  and  antiquated  pile  devoted  to  a 
single  object.  Perhaps  the  boroughs  of  the  Rhine  have 
less  of  this  picturesque,  or  landscape  effect,  than  the  vil- 
lages of  France  and  Italy,  for  the  Germans  regard  space 
more  than  their  neighbors,  but  still  are  they  less  common- 
place than  the  smiling  and  thriving  little  marts  that  crowd 
the  borders  of  the  Hudson.  To  this  advantage  must  be 
added  that  which  is  derived  from  the  countless  ruins,  and 
a  crowd  of  recollections.  Flere,  the  superiority  of  the 
artificial  auxiliaries  of  the  Rhine  ceases,  and  those  of  her 
rival  come  into  the  ascendant.  In  modern  abodes,  in 
villas,  and  even  in  seats,  those  of  princes  alone  excepted, 
the  banks  of  the  Hudson  have  scarcely  an  equal  in  any 
region.  There  are  finer  and  nobler  edifices  on  the  Brenta, 
and  in  other  favored  spots,  certainly,  but  I  know  no  stream 
that  has  so  many  that  please  and  attract  the  eye.  As  ap- 
plied to  moving  objects,  an  important  feature  in  this  com- 
parison, the  Hudson  has  perhaps  no  rival  in  any  river  that 
can  pretend  to  a  picturesque  character.  In  numbers,  in 
variety  of  rig,  in  beauty  of  form,  in  swiftness  and  dex- 
terity of  handling,  and  in  general  grace  and  movement, 
this  extraordinary  passage  ranks  amongst  the  first  of  the 
world.  The  yards  of  tall  ships  swing  among  the  rocks 
and  forests  of  the  highlands,  while  sloop,  schooner,  and 
bright  canopied  steam-boat,  yacht,  periagua,  and  canoe 
are  seen  in  countless  numbers,  decking  its  waters.  There 
is  one  more   eloquent  point   of  difference   that  should  not 


8  INTR  OD  UCTIOISr. 

be  neglected.  Drawings  and  engravings  of  the  Rhine  lend 
their  usual  advantages,  softening  and  frequently  rendering 
beautiful  t)l)jccts  of  no  striking  attractions  when  seen  as 
they  exist  ;  while  every  similar  attempt  to  represent  the 
Hudson,  at  once  strikes  the  eye  as  unworthy  of  its  original. 

Nature  is  fruitful  of  line  effects  in  every  region,  and  it 
is  a  mistake  not  to  enjoy  her  gifts,  as  we  move  through 
life,  on  account  of  some  fancied  superiority  in  this,  or 
that,  quarter  of  the  world.  We  left  the  Rhine,  therefore, 
with  regret,  for,  in  its  way,  a  lovelier  stream  can  scarce  be 
found. 

At  Mayence  we  crossed  to  the  right  bank  of  the  river, 
and  passing  by  the  Duchies  of  Nassau  and  Darmstadt,  en- 
tered that  of  Baden,  at  Heidelberg.  Here  we  sat  upon 
the  Tun,  examined  the  castle,  and  strolled  in  the  alleys  of 
the  remarkable  garden.  Thence  we  proceeded  to  Man- 
heim,  turning  our  faces,  once  more,  towards  the  French 
capital.  The  illness  of  one  of  tlie  party  compelled  us  to 
remain  a  few  hours  in  the  latter  city,  which  presented  little 
for  reflection,  unless  it  were  that  this,  like  one  or  two  other 
towns  we  had  lately  seen,  served  to  convince  us,  that  the 
symmetry  and  regularity  which  render  large  cities  mag- 
nificent, cause  those  that  are  small  to  appear  mean. 

It  was  a  bright  autumnal  day  when  we  returned  to  the  left 
bank  of  the  Rhine,  on  the  way  to  Paris.  The  wishes  of 
the  invalid  had  taken  the  appearance  of  strength,  and  we 
hoped  to  penetrate  the  mountains  which  bound  the  Palat- 
inate on  its  south-western  side,  and  to  reach  Kaiserslau- 
tern,  on  the  great  Napoleon  road,  before  the  hour  of  rest. 
The  main  object  had  been  accomplished,  and  as  with  all 
wlio  have  effected  their  purpose,  the  principal  desire  was 
to  be  at  home.  A  few  posts  convinced  us  that  repose  was 
still  necessary  to  the  invalid.  This  conviction,  unhappily 
as  I  then  believed,  came  too  late,  for  we  had  already  crossed 
the  plain  of  the  Palatinate,  and  Avere  drawing  near  to  the 
chain  of  mountains  just  mentioned  which  are  a  branch  of 
the  Vosges,  and  are  known  in  the  country  as  the  Haart. 
We  had  made  no  calculations  for  such  an  event,  and  former 
experience  had  caused  us  to  distrust  the  inns  of  this  isola- 
ted portion  of  the  kingdom  of  Bava,ria.  I  was  just  bit- 
terly regretting  our  precipitation,  when  the  church-tower 
of  Duerckheim  peered  above  the  vineyards  ;  for,  on  get- 
ting nearer  to  the  base  of  the  hills,  the  land  became 
slightly  undulating,  and  the  vine  abundant.     As  we  ap- 


INTR  OD  UCTION.  9 

proached,  the  village  or  borough  promised  little,  but  we 
liad  the  word  of  the  postilion  that  the  post-house  was  an 
inn  fit  for  a  king ;  and  as  to  the  wine,  he  could  give  no 
higher  eulogium  than  a  flourish  of  the  whip,  an  eloquent 
expression  of  pleasure  for  a  German  of  his  class.  We  de- 
bated the  question  of  proceeding,  or  of  stopping,  in  a 
good  deal  of  doubt,  to  the  moment  when  the  carriage  drew 
up  before  the  sign  of  the  Ox.  A  substantial  looking 
burgher  came  forth  to  receive  us.  There  was  the  pledge  of 
good  cheer  in  the  ample  development  of  his  person,  which 
was  not  badly  typified  by  the  sign,  and  the  hale,  hearty 
character  of  his  hospitality  removed  all  suspicion  of  the 
hour  of  reckoning.  If  he  who  travels  much  is  a  gainer  in 
knowledge  of  mankind,  he  is  sure  to  be  a  loser  in  the 
charities  tliat  sweeten  life.  Constant  intercourse  with 
men  who  are  in  the  habit  of  seeing  strange  faces,  who  only 
dispose  of  their  services  to  those  that  are  likely  never  to 
need  them  again,  and  wdio,  of  necessity,  are  removed  from 
most  of  the  responsibilities  and  affinities  of  a  more  per- 
manent intercourse,  exhibits  tlie  selfishness  of  our  nature 
in  its  least  attractive  form.  Policy  may  suggest  a  specious 
blandishment  of  air,  to  conceal  the  ordinary  design  on  tlie 
pocket  of  the  stranger  ;  but  it  is  in  the  nature  of  things 
that  the  design  should  exist.  The  passion  of  gain,  like  all 
other  passions,  increases  with  indulgence  ;  and  thus  do  we 
find  those  who  dwell  on  beaten  roads  more  rapacious  than 
those  in  whom  the  desire  is  latent  for  v/ant  of  use. 

Our  liost  of  Ducrckhcim  offered  a  pledge,  in  his  honest 
countenance,  independent  air,  and  frank  manner,  of  his 
also  being  above  the  usual  mercenary  schemes  of  another 
portion  of  the  craft,  who,  dwelling  in  places  of  little  resort, 
endeavor  to  take  their  revenge  of  fortune,  by  showing  that 
they  look  upon  every  post-carriage  as  an  especial  God- 
send. He  had  a  garden,  too,  into  which  he  invited  us  to 
enter,  while  the  horses  were  changing,  in  a  way  that 
showed  he  was  simply  desirous  of  being  benevolent,  and 
that  he  cared  little  whether  we  staid  an  hour  or  a  week. 
In  short,  his  manner  was  of  an  artless,  kind,  natural,  and 
winning  character,  that  strongly  reminded  us  of  home,  and 
which  at  once  established  an  agreeable  confidence  that  is 
of  an  invaluable  moral  effect.  Though  too  experienced 
blindly  to  confide  in  national  characteristics,  we  liked,  too, 
his  appearance  of  German  faith,  and  more  than  all  were 
we   pleased  with  the  German  neatness  and    comfort,   of 


lo  INTRODUCTION. 

which  there  were  abundance,  unalloyed  by  the  swaggering 
pretension  that  neutralizes  the  same  qualities  among  people 
more  artificial.  The  house  was  not  a  beer-drinking,  smok- 
ing caravanserai,  like  many  hotels  in  that  quarter  of  the 
world,  but  it  had  detached  pavilions  in  the  gardens,  in 
which  the  wearied  traveller  might,  in  sooth,  take  his  rest. 
With  such  inducements  before  our  eyes,  w^e  determined  to 
remain,  and  we  were  not  long  in  instructing  the  honest 
burgher  to  that  effect.  The  decision  was  received  with 
great  civility,  and,  unlike  the  immortal  Falstaff,  I  began  to 
see  the  prospects  of  taking  "  mine  ease  in  my  inn"  without 
having  a  pocket  picked. 

The  carriage  w^as  soon  housed,  and  the  baggage  in  the 
chambers.  Notwithstanding  the  people  of  the  house  spoke 
confidently,  but  with  sufficient  modesty,  of  the  state  of  the 
larder,  it  wanted  several  hours,  agreeably  to  our  habits, 
to  the  time  of  dinner,  though  we  had  enjoyed  frequent 
opportunities  of  remarking  that  in  Germany  a  meal  is 
never  unseasonable.  Disregarding  hints,  which  appeared 
more  suggested  by  humanity  than  the  love  of  gain,  our 
usual  hour  for  eating  was  named,  and,  by  w^ay  of  changing 
the  subject,  I  asked, — 

"Did  I  not  see  some  ruins,  on  the  adjoining  mountain, 
as  we  entered  the  villag-e  ? " 

"We  call  Duerckheim  a  city,  mein  Herr,"  rejoined  our 
host  of  the  Ox  ;  "  though  none  of  the  largest,  the  time  has 
been  when  it  was  a  capital ! " 

Here  the  worthy  burgher  munched  his  pipe  and  chuck- 
led, for  he  was  a  man  that  had  heard  of  such  places  as 
London,  and  Paris,  and  Pekin,  and  Naples,  and  St.  Peters- 
burgh,  or,  haply,  of  the  Federal  City  itself. 

"  A  capital  ! — it  was  the  abode  of  one  of  the  smaller 
princes,  suppose  ;  of  what  family  was  your  sovereign, 
pray?" 

"You  are  right,  mein  Herr.  Duerckheim,  before  the 
French  revolution,  was  a  residence  (for  so  the  political 
capitals  are  called  in  Germany),  and  it  belonged  to  the 
princes  of  Leiningen,  w4io  had  a  palace  on  the  other  side 
of  the  city  (tlie  place  may  be  about  half  as  large  as  Hud- 
son, or  Schenectady),  which  was  burnt  in  the  war.  After 
the  late  wars,  the  sovereign  was  mediatise,  receiving  an  in- 
demnity in  estates  on  the  other  side  of  the  Rhine." 

As  this  term  of  mediatise  has  no  direct  synonyme  in  Eng- 
lish, it  may  be  well  to  explain  its  signification.     Germany, 


INTR  OD  UC  7VO.V.  1 1 

as  well  as  most  of  Europe,  was  formerly  divided  into  a 
countless  number  of  petty  sovereignties,  based  on  the  prin- 
ciple of  feudal  power.  As  accident,  or  talent,  or  alliances, 
or  treachery  advanced  the  interests  of  the  stronger  of  these 
princes,  their  weaker  neighbors  began  to  disappear  alto- 
gether, or  to  take  new  and  subordinate  stations  in  the  social 
scale.  In  this  manner  has  France  been  gradually  com- 
posed of  its  original,  but  comparatively  insignificant  king- 
dom, buttressed,  as  it  now  is,  by  Brittany,  and  Burgundy, 
and  Navarre,  and  Dauphiny,  and  Provence,  and  Normandy, 
with  many  other  states  ;  and,  in  like  manner  has  England 
been  formed  of  the  Heptarchy.  The  confederative  system 
of  Germany  has  continued  more  or  less  of  this  feudal  or- 
ganization to  our  own  times.  The  formation  of  the  em- 
pires of  Austria  and  Prussia  has,  however,  swallowed  up 
many  of  these  principalities,  and  the  changes  produced  by 
the  policy  of  Napoleon  gave  the  death-blow,  without  dis- 
tinction, to  all  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  Rhine.  Of 
the  latter  number  were  the  Princes  of  Leiningen,  whose 
possessions  were  originally  included  in  the  French  repub- 
lic, then  in  the  empire,  and  have  since  passed  under  the 
sway  of  the  King  of  Bavaria,  who,  as  the  legitimate  heir  of 
the  neighboring  Duchy  of  Deux  Ponts,  had  a  nucleus  of 
sufficient  magnitude  in  this  portion  of  Germany  to  induce 
the  Congress  of  Vienna  to  add  to  his  dominions;  their  object 
being  to  erect  a  barrier  against  the  future  aggrandizement 
of  France.  As  the  dispossessed  sovereigns  are  permitted 
to  retain  their  conventional  rank,  supplying  wives  and 
husbands,  at  need,  to  the  reigning  branches  of  the  different 
l)rincely  families,  the  term  ni Jdiat is c  h?is  been  aptly  enough 
applied  to  their  situation. 

"  Tiie  young  prince  was  here,  no  later  than  last  week," 
continued  our  host  of  the  Ox  ;  "  he  lodged  in  that  pavilion, 
where  he  passed  several  days.  You  know  that  he  is  a  son 
of  the  'Duchess  of  Kent,  and  half-brother  to  the  young 
princess  who  is  likely,  one  day,  to  be  queen  of  England." 

"Has  he  estates  here,  or  is  he  still,  in  any  way,  con- 
nected with  your  government?  " 

"■  All  they  have  given  him  is  in  money,  or  on  the  other 
side  of  the  Rhine.  He  went  to  see  the  ruins  of  the  old 
caslle  ;  for  he  had  a  natural  curiosity  to  look  at  a  place 
which  his  ancestors  had  built." 

"  It  was  the  ruins  of  the  castle  of  Leiningen,  then,  that 
I  saw  on  the  mountain,  as  wc  entered  the  town  ? " 


12  INTRODUCTION. 

"  No,  mcin  Ilcrr.  You  saw  the  ruins  of  the  Abbey  of 
Limburg ;  those  of  Hartenburg,  for  so  the  castle  was 
called,  lie  farther  back  among  the  hills." 

"  What  !  a  ruined  abbey,  and  a  ruined  castle,  too  ! — Here 
is  sufficient  occupation  for  the  rest  of  the  day.  An  abbey 
and  a  castle  !  " 

"And  the  Ileidenmauer,  and  tlie  Teufelstein." 

''  How  !  a  Pagan's  wall,  and  a  Devil's  stone  ! — You  are 
rich  in  curiosities  !  " 

The  host  continued  to  smoke  on  philosophically. 

"  Have  you  a  guide  who  can  take  me,  by  the  shortest 
way,  to  these  places  ?  " 

"  Any  child  can  do  that." 

"  But  one  who  can  speak  French  is  desirable — for  my 
German  is  far  from  being  classical." 

The  worthy  inn-keeper  nodded  his  head. 

"  Here  is  one  Christian  Kinzel,"  he  rejoined,  after  a  mo- 
ment of  thought,  "  a  tailor  wiio  has  not  much  custom,  and 
Avho  has  lived  a  little  in  France  ;  he  may  serve  your  turn." 

I  suggested  that  a  tailor  might  find  it  healthful  to  stretch 
his  knee-joints. 

The  host  of  the  Ox  was  amused  with  the  conceit,  and  he 
fairly  removed  the  pipe,  in  order  to  laugh  at  his  ease.  His 
mirth  was  hearty,  like  that  of  a  man  without  guile. 

The  affair  w%as  soon  arranged.  A  messenger  was  sent 
for  Christian  Kinzel,  and  taking  my  little  male  travelling 
companion  by  the  hand,  I  went  leisurely  ahead,  expecting 
the  appearance  of  the  guide.  But,  as  the  reader  will  have 
much  to  do  with  the  place  about  to  be  described,  it  may  be 
desirable  that  he  should  possess  an  accurate  knowledge  of 
its  locality. 

Duercklieim  lies  in  that  part  of  Bavaria  which  is  com- 
monly called  the  circle  of  the  Rhine.  The  king,  of  the 
country  named,  may  have  less  than  half  a  million  of  sub- 
jects in  this  detached  part  of  his  territories,  which  extends 
in  one  course  from  the  river  to  Rhenish  Prussia,  and  in 
the  other  from  Darmstadt  to  France.  It  requires  a  day  of 
hard  posting  to  traverse  this  province  in  any  direction, 
from  which  it  would  appear  that  its  surface  is  about  equal 
to  two-thirds  of  that  of  Connecticut.  A  line  of  mountains, 
resembling  the  smaller  spurs  of  the  Alleghanies,  and  which 
are  known  by  different  local  names,  but  which  are  a  branch 
of  the  Vosges,  passes  nearly  through  the  centre  of  the  dis- 
trict, in  a  north  and  south  course.    These  mountains  cease 


INTR  OD  UCTION:  13 

abruptly  on  their  eastern  side,  leaving  between  them  and 
the  river,  a  vast  level  surface  of  that  description  which  is 
called  "flats,"  or  "bottom  land,"  in  America.  This  plain, 
part  of  the  ancient  Palatinate,  extends  equally  on  the  other 
side  of  the  Rhine,  terminating  as  abruptly  on  the  eastern 
as  on  the  western  border.  In  an  air  line,  the  distance  be- 
tween Heidelberg  and  Duerckheim,  which  lie  opposite  to 
each  other  on  the  two  lateral  extremities  of  the  plain,  may 
a  little  exceed  twenty  miles,  the  Rhine  running  equi-dis- 
tant  from  both.  There  is  a  plausible  theory,  which  says 
tliat  the  plain  of  the  Palatinate  was  formerly  a  lake,  re- 
ceiving the  waters  of  the  Rhine,  and  of  course  discharging 
them  by  some  inferior  outlet,  until  time,  or  a  convulsion 
of  the  earth,  broke  through  the  barrier  of  the  mountains 
at  Bingen,  draining  off  the  waters,  and  leaving  the  fertile 
bottom  described.  Irregular  sand-hills  were  visible,  as  we 
approached  Duerckheim,  which  may  go  to  confirm  this 
supposition,  for  the  prevalence  of  northerly  winds  miglit 
easily  have  cast  more  of  these  light  particles  on  the  south- 
western than  on  the  opposite  shore.  By  adding  that  the 
eastern  face  of  the  mountains,  or  that  next  to  the  plain,  is 
sufficiently  broken  and  irregular  to  be  beautiful,  while  it 
is  always  distinctly  marked  and  definite,  enough  has  been 
said  to  enable  us  to  proceed  with  intelligence. 

It  would  appear  that  one  of  the  passes  that  has  com- 
municated, from  time  immemorial,  between  the  Rhine  and 
the  country  west  of  the  Vosgcs,  issues  on  the  plain  through 
the  gorge  near  Duerckheim.  By  following  the  windings 
of  the  valleys,  the  post-road  penetrates,  by  an  easy  ascent, 
to  the  highest  ridge,  and  following  the  water-courses  tliat 
run  into  the  Moselle,  descends  nearly  as  gradually  into 
the  Duchy  of  Deux  Ponts,  on  the  other  side  of  the  chain. 
The  possession  of  this  pass,  therefore,  in  the  ages  of  law- 
lessness and  violence,  was,  in  itself,  a  title  to  distinction 
and  power  ;  since  all  who  journeyed  by  it,  lay  in  person 
and  effects  more   or  less  at   the    mercy  of   the  occupant. 

On  quitting  the  town,  my  little  companion  and  myself 
immediately  entered  the  g<Jrge.  The  pass  itself  was  nar- 
row, but  a  valley  soon  opened  to  the  width  of  a  mile,  out 
of  which  issued  two  or  three  passages,  besides  that  by 
which  we  had  entered,  though  only  one  of  them  preserved 
its  character  for  any  distance.  Tlie  capacity  of  this  valley, 
or  basin,  as  it  must  have  been  when  the  Palatinate  was  a 
lake,  is  much  curtailed  by  an  insulated  mountain,  whose 


14  INTRODUCTION. 

base,  covering  a  fourth  of  the  area,  stands  in  its  very  centre, 
and  which  doubtless  was  an  island,  when  the  valley  was  a 
secluded  bay.  The  summit  of  this  mountain  or  island-hill 
is  level,  of  an  irregularly  oval  form,  and  contains  some  six 
or  eight  acres  of  land.  Here  stand  the  ruins  of  Limburg, 
the  immediate  object  of  our  visit. 

The  ascent  was  exceedingly  rapid,  and  of  several  hun- 
dred feet ;  reddish  free-stone  appeared  everywhere  through 
the  scanty  soil,  the  sun  beat  powerfully  on  the  rocks  ;  and 
I  was  beginning  to  weigh  the  advantages  and  disadvantages 
of  proceeding,  when  the  tailor  approached,  with  the  zeal 
of  new-born  courage. 

"  Voici   Christian    Kinzel !  "    exclaimed ,  to  whom 

novelty  was  always  an  incentive,  and  who,  in  his  young 
life,  had  eagerly  mounted  Alp  and  Apennine,  Jura  and 
Calabrian  hill,  tov/er,  monument,  and  dome,  or  whatever 
else  served  to  raise  him  in  the  a,ir  ;  '' Allons, — grimpons  !  " 

We  scrambled  up  the  hill-side,  and,  winding  among  ter- 
races on  which  the  vine  and  vegetables  were  growing,  soon 
reached  the  natural  platform.  There  was  a  noble  view 
from  the  summit,  but  it  would  be  premature  to  describe  it 
here.  The  whole  surface  of  the  hill  furnished  evidence  of 
the  former  extent  of  the  Abbey,  a  wall  having  encircled 
the  entire  place  ;  but  the  principal  edifices  had  been  built, 
and  still  remained,  near  the  longitudinal  centre,  on  the 
very  margin  of  the  eastern  precipice.  Enough  was  stand- 
ing to  prove  the  ancient  magnificence  of  the  structure. 
Unlike  most  of  the  ruins  which  border  the  Rhine,  the  ma- 
sonry was  of  a  workmanlike  kind,  the  walls  being  not  only 
massive,  but  composed  of  the  sand-stone  just  mentioned 
neatly  hewn,  for  immense  strata  of  the  material  exist  in  all 
this  region.  I  traced  the  chapel,  still  in  tolerable  preser- 
vation, the  refectory,  that  never-failing  solacer  oi  monastic 
seclusion,  several  edifices  apparently  appropriated  to  the 
dormitories,  and  some  vestiges  of  the  cloisters.  There  is 
also  a  giddy  tower,  of  an  ecclesiastical  form,  that  suffi- 
ciently serves  to  give  a  character  to  the  ruins.  It  was 
closed,  to  prevent  idlers  from  incurring  foolish  risks  by 
mounting  the  crazy  steps  ;  but  its  having  formerly  been 
appropriated  to  the  consecrated  bells  was  not  at  all  doubt- 
ful. There  is  also  a  noble  arch  near,  with  several  of  its 
disjointed  stones  menacing  the  head  of  him  who  ventures 
beneath. 

Turning  from  the  ruin,  I  cast  a  look  at  the  surrounding 


INTR  OD  UCTION.  1 5 

valley.  Nothing  could  have  been  softer  or  more  lovelv 
than  the  near  view.  That  sort  of  necessity,  which  induces 
us  to  cherish  any  stinted  gift,  had  led  the  inhabitants  to 
turn  every  foot  of  the  bottom  land  to  the  best  account. 
No  Swiss  Alp  could  have  been  more  closely  shaved  than 
the  meadows  at  my  feet,  and  a  good  deal  had  been  made  of 
two  or  three  rivulets  that  meandered  among  them.  The 
dam  of  a  rustic  mill  threw  back  the  water  into  a  miniature 
lake,  and  some  zealous  admirer  of  Neptune  had  established 
a  bcer-housc  on  its  banks,  which  was  dignified  with  the 
sign  of  the  "Anchor!"  But  the  principal  object  in  the 
interior  or  upland  view,  was  the  ruins  of  a  castle,  that  oc- 
cupied a  natural  terrace,  or  rather  the  projection  of  a  rock, 
against  the  side  of  one  of  the  nearest  mountains.  The 
road  passed  immediately  beneath  its  walls,  a  short  arrow- 
llight  from  the  battlements,  the  position  having  evidently 
been  chosen  as  the  one  best  adapted  to  command  the  or- 
dinary route  of  the  traveller.  I  wanted  no  explanation 
from  the  guide  to  know  that  this  was  the  castle  of  Harten- 
berg.  It  was  still  more  massive  than  the  remains  of  the 
Abbey,  built  of  the  same  material,  and  seemingly  in  differ- 
ent centuries  ;  for  while  one  part  was  irregular  and  rude, 
like  most  of  the  structures  of  the  middle  ages,  there  were 
salient  towers  filled  with  embrasures,  for  the  use  of  artil- 
lery. One  of  their  guns,  well  elevated,  might  possibly 
have  thrown  its  shot  on  the  platform  of  the  Abbey-hill, 
but  with  little  danger  even  to  the  ruined  walls. 

After  studying  the  different  objects  in  this  novel  and 
charming  scene,  for  an  hour,  I  demanded  of  the  guide  some 
account  of  the  Pagan's  Wall  and  of  the  Devil's  Stone. 
Both  were  on  the  moimtain  that  lay  on  the  other  side  of 
the  ambitious  little  lake,  a  long  musket-shot  from  the  Ab- 
bey. It  was  even  possible  to  see  a  portion  of  the  for- 
mer, from  our  present  stand  ;  and  the  confused  account  of 
the  tailor  only  excited  a  desire  to  see  more.  We  had  not 
come  on  this  excursion  without  a  fit  supply  of  road-books 
and  maps.  One  of  the  former  was  accidentally  in  my  pocket, 
though  so  little  had  we  expected  anything  extraordinary 
on  this  unfrequented  road,  that  as  yet  it  had  not  been 
opened.  On  consulting  its  pages  now,  I  was  agreeably 
disappointed  in  finding  that  Duerckheim  and  its  antiqui- 
ties had  not  been  tlujught  unworthy  of  the  traveller's  es- 
l)ecial  attention.  The  Pagan's  Wall  was  there  stated  to  be 
the  spot  in  which  Attila  passed  the  winter  before  crossing 


i6  INTR  OD  UCTIOJSr. 

tlic  Rhine,  in  his  celebrated  inroad  against  the  capital  of 
the  civilized  world,  though  its  origin  was  referred  to  his 
enemies  themselves.  In  short,  it  w\as  believed  to  be  the 
remains  of  a  Roman  camp,  one  of  those  advanced  works 
of  the  empire,  by  which  the  Barbarians  were  held  in  check, 
and  of  which  the  Hun  had  casually  and  prudently  availed 
himself,  in  his  progress  south.  The  Devil's  Stone  was  de- 
scribed as  a  natural  rock,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  encamp- 
ment, on  which  the  Pagans  had  offered  sacrifices.  Of 
course  the  liberated  limbs  of  the  guide  were  put  in  requi- 
sition, to  conduct  us  to  a  spot  that  contained  curiosities  so 
worthy  of  even  his  exertions. 

As  we  descended  the  mountain  of  'Limburg,  Christian 
Kinzel  lighted  the  way,  by  relating  the  opinions  of  the 
country  concerning  the  places  we  had  seen  and  were  about 
to  see.  It  would  appear  by  this  legend,  that  when  the 
pious  monks  were  planning  their  monastery,  a  compact 
was  made  w^ith  the  Devil  to  quarry  the  stones  necessary 
for  so  extensive  a  work,  and  to  transport  them  up  the  steep 
acclivity.  The  inducement  held  forth  to  the  evil  spirit,  for 
undertaking  a  work  of  this  nature,  was  the  pretence  of 
erecting  a  tavern,  in  which,  doubtless,  undue  quantities  of 
Rhenish  w4ne  were  to  be  quaffed,  cheating  human  reason, 
and  leaving  the  undefended  soul  more  exposed  to  the  usual 
assaults  of  temptation.  It  would  seem,  by  the  legends  of 
the  Rhine,  that  the  monks  often  succeeded  in  outwitting 
the  arch  foe  in  this  sort  of  compact,  though  perhaps  never 
with  more  signal  success  than  in  the  bargain  in  question. 
Completely  deceived  by  the  artifices  of  the  men  of  God, 
the  father  of  sin  lent  himself  to  the  project  with  so  much 
zeal,  that  the  Abbey  and  its  appendages  wxre  completed 
in  a  time  incredibly  short ;  a  circumstance  that  his  em- 
ployers took  good  care  to  turn  to  account,  after  their  own 
fashion,  by  ascribing  it  to  a  miracle  of  purer  emanation. 
By  all  accounts  the  deception  was  so  well  managed,  that 
notwithstanding  his  proverbial  cunning,  the  Devil  never 
knew  the  true  destination  of  the  edifice  until  the  Abbey- 
bell  actually  rang  for  prayers.  Then,  indeed,  his  indigna- 
tion knew  no  bounds,  and  he  proceeded  forthwith  to  the 
rock  in  question,  with  the  fell  intent  of  bringing  it  into  the 
air  above  the  chapelf  and,  by  its  fall,  of  immolating  the 
monks  and  their  altar  together,  to  his  vengeance.  But 
the  stone  was  too  firmly  rooted  to  be  displaced  even  by 
the  Devil  ;  and  he  was  finally  compelled,  by  the  prayers 


INTR  on  UC  TION.  1 7 

of  the  devotees,  who  were  now,  after  their  own  fashion  of 
flighting,  fairly  in  the  field,  to  abandon  this  portion  of  tlie 
country  in  shame  and  disgrace.  The  curious  are  shown 
certain  marks  on  the  rock,  which  go  to  prove  the  violent 
efforts  of  Satan,  on  this  occasion,  and  among  others  the 
prints  of  his  form,  left  by  seating  himself  on  the  stone, 
fatigued  by  useless  exertions.  The  more  ingenious  even 
trace,  in  a  sort  of  groove,  evidence  of  the  position  of  his 
tail,  during  the  time  the  baffled  spirit  was  chewing  the  cud 
of  chagrin  on  his  hard  stool. 

We  were  at  the  foot  of  the  second  mountain  when  Chris- 
tian Kinzel  ended  tliis  explanation. 

"And  such  is  your  Duerckheim  tradition  concerning  the 
Devil's  Stone  ?"  I  remarked,  measuring  the  ascent  with  the 
sight. 

"Such  is  w^hat  is  said  in  the  country,  mcin  Herr,"  re- 
turned the  tailor ;  ''but  there  are  people,  hereabouts,  who 
do  not  believe  it." 

My  little  travelling  companion  laughed,  and  his  eyes 
danced  with  expectation. 

"  AUons,  grimpons  !  "  he  cried  again — "  AUons  voir  cc 
Tcufelstein  ! " 

In  a  suitable  time  we  were  in  the  camp.  It  lay  on  an 
advanced  spur  of  the  mountain,  a  sort  of  salient  bastion 
made  by  nature,  and  was  completely  protected  on  every 
side,  but  that  at  which  it  w^as  joined  to  the  mass,  by  de- 
clivities so  steep  as  to  be  even  descended  with  some  pain. 
There  was  the  ruin  of  a  circular  wall,  half  a  league  in  ex- 
tent, the  stones  lying  in  a  confused  pile  around  the  whole 
exterior,  and  many  vestiges  of  foundations  and  intersecting 
walls  within.  The  whole  area  was  covered  with  a  young 
growth  of  dark  and  melancholy  cedars.  On  the  face  ex- 
posed to  the  adjoining  mountain,  there  had  evidently  been 
the  additional  protection  of  a  ditch. 

The  Teufclstein  was  a  thousand  feet  from  the  camp.  It 
is  a  weather-worn  rock,  that  shows  its  bare  head  from  a 
high  point  in  the  uKjre  advanced  ranges  of  tlie  hills.  I 
to(;k  a  scat  on  its  most  elevated  pinnacle,  and  for  a  mo- 
ment the  ])ain  of  the  ascent  was  forgotten. 

Tlie  plain  of  tlie  Palatinate,  far  as  eye  could  reach,  lay 
in  the  view.  Here  and  tliere  the  Rhine  and  the  Neckar 
glittered  like  sheets  of  silver,  among  the  verdure  of  the 
lields,  and  tower  of  city  and  of  town,  of  Manheim,  Spires, 
and  Worms,  of  nameless  villages,  and  of  German  resi- 
2 


i8  introduction: 

dences,  were  as  plenty  in  the  scene  a,s  tombs  upon  the 
Appian  Way.  A  dozen  gray  ruins  clung  against  the  sides 
of  the  mountains  of  Baden  and  Darmstadt,  while  the  castle 
of  Heidelberg  was  visible,  in  its  romantic  glen,  sombre, 
courtly,  and  magnificent  The  landscape  was  German,  and 
in  its  artificial  parts  slightly  Gothic  ;  it  wanted  the  warm 
glow,  the  capricious  outlines,  and  seductive  beauty  of 
Italy,  and  the  grandeur  of  the  Swiss  valleys  and  glaciers  ; 
but  "it  was  the  perfection  of  fertility  and  industry  embel- 
lished by  a  crowd  of  useful  objects. 

It  was  easy  for  one  thus  placed,  to  fancy  himself  sur- 
rounded by  so  many  eloquent  memorials  of  the  progress  of 
civilization,  of  the  infirmities  and  constitution,  of  the 
growth  and  ambition  of  the  human  mind.  The  rock  re- 
called the  age  of  furious  superstition  and  debased  igno- 
rance— the  time  wlien  the  country  lay  in  forest,  over  which 
the  hunter  ranged  at  will,  contending  with  the  beast  for 
the  mastery  of  his  savage  domain.  Still  the  noble  creature 
bore  tlie  image  of  God,  and  occasionally  some  master  mind 
pierced  the  shades,  catching  glimpses  of  that  eternal  truth 
which  pervades  Nature.  Then  followed  the  Roman,  with 
his  gods  of  plausible  attributes,  his  ingenious  and  specious 
philosophy,  his  accumulated  and  borrowed  art,  his  con- 
certed and  overwhelming  action,  his  love  of  magnificence, 
so  grand  in  its  effects,  but  so  sordid  and  unjust  in  its  means, 
and  last,  the  most  impressive  of  all,  that  beacon-like  am- 
bition which  wrecked  his  hopes  on  the  sea  of  its  vastness, 
with  the  evidence  of  the  falsity  of  his  system  as  furnished 
in  his  fall.  The  memorial  before  me  showed  the  means  by 
which  he  gained  and  lost  his  power.  The  Barbarian  had 
been  taught,  in  the  bitter  school  of  experience,  to  regain 
his  rights,  and,  in  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  it  was 
not  difficult  to  imagine  the  Huns  pouring  into  the  camp, 
and  calculating  their  chances  of  success  by  the  vestiges 
they  found  of  the  ingenuity  and  resources  of  their  foes. 

Tlie  confusion  of  misty  images  that  succeeded  was  an  apt 
emblem  of  the  next  age.  Out  of  this  obscinity,  after  the 
long  and  glorious  reign  of  Charlemagne,  arose  the  baronial 
castle,  with  feudal  violence  and  its  progeny  of  wrongs. 
Then  came  the  abbey,  an  excrescence  of  that  mild  and  suf- 
fering religion,  which  had  appeared  on  earth,  like  a  ray  of 
tlie  sun,  eclipsing  the  factitious  brilliancy  of  a  scene  from 
which  natural  light  had  been  excluded  for  a  substitute  of 
a  meretricious  and  deceptive  quality.    Here  arose  the  long 


INTR  OD  UCriOiV.  19 

and  selfish  strife,  between  antagonist  principles,  that  has 
not  yet  ceased.  The  struggle  was  between  the  power  of 
knowledge  and  that  of  physical  force.  The  former,  neither 
pure  nor  perfect,  descended  to  subterfuge  and  deceit ; 
while  the  latter  vacillated  between  the  dread  of  unknown 
causes,  and  the  love  of  domination.  Monk  and  baron  came 
in  collision  ;  this  secretly  distrusting  the  faith  he  professed, 
and  that  trembling  at  the  consequences  of  the  blow  which 
his  own  sword  had  given  ;  the  fruits  of  too  much  knowl- 
edge in  one,  and  of  too  little  in  the  other,  while  both  were 
the  prey  of  those  incessant  and  unweai  icd  enemies  of  the 
race,  the  greedy  passions. 

A  laugh  from  the  child  drew  my  attcntic^i  to  the  foot  c^f 
the  rock.  He  and  Christian  Kinzel  had  just  settled,  to  their 
mutual  satisfaction,  the  precise  position  that  had  been  oc- 
cupied by  the  Devil's  tail.  A  more  suitable  emblem  of  his 
country  than  that  boy,  could  not  have  been  found  on  the 
whole  of  its  wide  surface.  As  secondary  to  the  predomi- 
nant English  or  Saxon  stock,  the  blood  of  France.  Sweden, 
and  Holland  ran,  in.  nearly  equal  currents,  in  his  veins.  He 
had  not  far  to  seek,  to  find  among  his  ancestors  the  peace- 
ful companion  of  Penn,  the  Huguenot,  the  Cavalier,  the 
Presbyterian,  the  follower  of  Luther  and  of  Calvin.  Chance 
had  even  deepened  the  resemblance  ;  for,  a  wanderer  from 
•nfancy,  he  now  blended  languages  in  merry  comments  on 
his  recent  discovery.  The  train  of  thought  that  his  appear- 
ance suggested  was  natural.  It  embraced  the  long  and 
mysterious  concealment  of  so  vast  a  portion  of  the  earth  as 
America,  from  the  acquaintance  of  civilized  man  ;  its  .dis- 
covery and  settlement ;  the  manner  in  which  violence  and 
persecution,  civil  wars,  oppression  and  injustice,  had 
thrown  men  of  all  nations  upon  its  shores  ;  the  effects  of 
this  c(jllision  of  customs  and  opinions,  unenthrallcd  by 
habits  and  laws  of  selfish  origin  ;  the  religious  and  civil 
liberty  that  followed  ;  the  novel  but  irrefutable  principle 
on  which  its  g(n'erinnent  was  l)ased,  the  silent  working  of 
its  example,  in  the  two  hemispheres,  one  of  which  had  al- 
ready imitated  the  institutions  that  the  other  was  struggling 
t<j  ap])r(jach,  and  all  the  immense  results  that  were  depend- 
ent on  this  inscrutable  and  grand  movement  of  Provi- 
dence. I  know  lujt  indeed  but  my  thoughts  might  have  ap- 
l)roached  the  sublime,  had  not  Christian  Kinzel  interrupted 
them,  by  pointing  out  the  spot  where  the  Devil  had  kicked 
the  stone,  in  his  anger. 


20  INTRODUCTION. 

Descending  from  the  perch,  we  took  the  path  to  Duerck- 
heim.  As  we  came  down  the  mountain,  the  tailor  had  many 
philosophical  remarks  to  make,  that  were  chiefly  elicited 
by  the  forlorn  condition  of  one  who  had  much  toil  and  lit- 
tle food.  In  his  view  of  things,  labor  was  too  cheap,  and 
wine  and  potatoes  were  too  dear.  To  what  depth  he  might 
have  pushed  reflections  bottomed  on  principles  so  natural, 
it  is  impossible  to  say,  had  not  the  boy  started  some  doubts 
concerning  the  reputed  length  of  the  Devil's  tail.  He  had 
visited  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  at  Paris,  seen  the  kangaroos 
in  the  Zoological  Garden  in  London,  and  was  familiar 
with  the  inhabitants  of  a  variety  of  caravans  encountered  at 
Rome,  Naples,  Dresden,  and  other  capitals;  with  the 
bears  of  Berne  he  had  actually  been  on  the  familiar  terms 
of  a  friendly  visiting  acquaintance.  Having  also  some 
vague  ideas  of  the  analogies  of  things,  he  could  not  recall 
any  beast  so  amply  provided  with  such  an  elongation  of 
the  dorsal  bone  as  was  to  be  inferred  from  Christian  Kin- 
zel's  gutter  in  the  Teufelstein.  During  the  discussion  of 
this  i^notty  point  we  reached  the  inn. 

The  host  of  the  Ox  had  deceived  us  in  nothing.  The 
viands  were  excellent,  and  abundant  to  prodigality.  The 
bottle  of  old  Duerckheimer  might  well  liave  passed  for 
Joliannisberger,  or  for  that  still  more  delicious  liquor, 
Steinberger,  at  London  or  New  York  ;  and  the  simple  and 
sincere  civility  with  which  everything  was  served,  gave  a 
zest  to  all. 

It  would  have  been  selfish  to  recruit  nature,  without 
thought  of  the  tailor,  after  so  many  hours  of  violent  ex- 
ercise in  the  keen  air  of  the  mountains.  He,  too,  had  his 
cup  and  his  viands,  and  when  both  were  invigorated  by 
these  natural  means,  we  held  a  conference,  to  which  the 
worthy  post-master  was  admitted. 

The  following  pages  are  the  offspring  of  the  convocation 
held  in  the  parlor  of  the  Ox.  Should  any  musty  German 
antiquary  discover  some  immaterial  anachronism,  a  name 
misplaced  in  the  order  of  events,  or  a  monk  called  prema- 
turely from  purgatory,  he  is  invited  to  wreak  his  just  in- 
dignation on  Christian  Kinzcl,  whose  body  and  soul  may 
St.  Benedict  of  Limburg  protect,  for  evermore,  against  all 
critics. 


THE    HEIDENMAUER; 

OR,  THE   BENEDICTINES. 


CHAPTER  I. 


"  Stand  you  both  forth  now;  stroke  your  chins,  and  swear  by  your  beards 
that  I  am  a  knave." — As  Von  Like  It. 

The  reader  must  imagine  a  narrow  and  secluded  valley, 
for  the  opening  scene  of  this  tale.  The  time  was  that  in 
which  the  day  loses  its  power,  casting  a  light  on  objects 
most  exposed,  that  resembles  colors  seen  through  glass 
slightly  stained  ;  a  peculiarity  of  tiie  atmosphere,  which, 
though  almost  of  daily  occurrence  in  summer  and  autumn, 
is  the  source  of  constant  enjoyment  to  the  real  lover  of 
nature.  The  hue  meant  is  not  a  sickly  yellow,  but  rather 
a  soft  and  melancholy  glory,  that  lends  to  the  liill-side  and 
copse,  to  tree  and  tower,  to  stream  and  lawn,  those  tinges 
of  surpassing  loveliness  that  impart  to  the  close  of  day  its 
proverbial  and  soothing  charm.  The  setting  sun  touched 
with  oblique  rays  a  bit  of  shaven  meadow,  that  lay  in  a  dell 
so  deep  as  to  owe  this  parting  smile  of  nature  to  an  acci- 
dental formation  of  the  neighboring  eminences,  a  distant 
moimtain  crest,  that  a  Hock  had  cropped  and  fertihzcd,  a 
ri})pling  current  that  glided  in  the  bottom,  a  narrow  beaten 
path,  more  worn  by  IkxjI  than  wheel,  and  a  vast  range  of 
forest,  that  swelled  and  receded  from  the  view,  cc^vcring 
leagues  of  a  hill-chase,  that  even  tradition  had  never  peo- 
pled. The  spot  was  seemingly  as  retired  as  if  it  had  been 
chosen  in  one  of  our  own  solitudes  of  the  wilderness, 
while  it  was,  in  fact,  near  the  centre  of  Europe,  and  in  tlie 
sixteenth  century.  Hut,  notwithstanding  the  absence  of 
dwellings,  and  all  the  other  signs  of  the  immediate  pres- 


22  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

ence  of  man,  together  with  the  wooded  character  of  the 
scene,  an  American  eye  w^ould  not  have  been  slow  to  de- 
tect its  distinguishing  features  from  those  which  mark  the 
wilds  of  this  country.  The  trees,  though  preserved  with 
care,  and  flourishing,  wanted  the  moss  of  ages,  the  high 
and  rocking  summit,  the  variety  and  natural  wildness  of 
the  western  forest.  No  mouldering  trunk  lay  where  it  had 
fallen,  no  branch  had  been  twisted  by  the  gale  and  forgot- 
ten, nor  did  any  upturned  root  betray  the  indifference  of 
man  to  the  decay  of  this  important  part  of  vegetation. 
Here  and  there, a  species  of  broom,  such  as  is  seen  occasion- 
ally on  the  mast-heads  of  ships,  was  erected  above  some 
tall  member  of  the  woods  that  stood  on  an  elevated  point ; 
land-marks  which  divided  the  rights  of  those  who  were 
entitled  to  cut  and  clip  ;  the  certain  evidence  that  man  had 
long  before  extended  his  sway  over  these  sombre  hills, 
and  that,  retired  as  they  seemed,  they  w^ere  actually  subject 
to  all  the  divisions,  and  restraints,  and  vexations,  which,  in 
peopled  regions,  accompany  the  rights  of  property. 

For  an  hour  preceding  the  opening  of  our  tale,  not  a 
sound  of  any  nature,  beyond  that  of  a  murmuring  brook, 
had  disturbed  the  quiet  of  the  silent  little  valley,  if  a  gorge 
so  narrow,  and  in  truth  so  wild,  deserved  tlie  name.  There 
was  not  even  a  bird  fluttering  among  the  trees,  nor  a  hawk 
soaring  above  the  heights.  Once,  and  for  a  minute  only, 
did  a  roebuck  venture  from  its  cover,  and  descend  to  the 
rivulet  to  drink.  The  animal  had  not  altogether  the  elas- 
tic bound,  the  timid  and  irresolute  movement,  nor  tlie 
wandering  eye  of  our  own  deer,  but  it  was  clearly  an  in- 
liabitant  of  a  forest ;  for  while  it  in  some  decree  confided 
in  the  protection,  it  also  distrusted  the  power  of  man.  No 
sooner  was  its  thirst  assuaged,  than,  listening  with  the 
keenness  of  an  instinct  that  no  circumstances  of  accidental 
condition  could  destroy,  it  went  up  the  acclivity  again, 
and  sought  its  cover  with  troubled  steps.  At  the  same 
instant  a  grayhound  leaped  from  among  the  trees,  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  gorge,  into  the  path,  and  began 
bounding  back  and  forth,  in  the  well-known  manner  of 
that  species  of  dog,  when  exercising  in  restlessness  rather 
than  engaged  in  the  hot  strife  of  the  chase.  A  whistle 
called  the  hound  back  from  its  gambols,  and  its  master 
entered  the  path. 

A  cap  of  green  velvet,  bearing  a  hunting-horn  above 
the  shade,  a  coarse  but  neat  frock  of  similar  color,  equally 


THE   IIEIDEJSfMAUER.  23 

ornamented  with  the  same  badge  of  office,  together  with 
the  instrument  itself  suspended  from  a  shoulder,  and  the 
arms  usual  to  one  of  that  class,  denoted  a  forester,  or  an 
individual  charged  with  the  care  of  the  chase,  and  other- 
wise intrusted  with  a  jurisdiction  in  the  forest;  functions 
that  would  be  much  degraded  by  the  use  of  the  abused 
and  familiar  term  of  gamekeeper. 

The  forester  was  young,  active,  and,  notwithstanding 
the  rudeness  of  his  attire,  of  a  winning  exterior.  Laying 
his  fusee  against  the  root  of  a  tree,  he  whistled  in  the  dog, 
and  renewing  the  call,  by  means  of  a  shrill  instrument 
that  was  carried  for  that  purpose,  he  soon  succeeded  in 
bringing  its  fellow  to  his  side.  Coupling  the  grayhounds 
in  a  leash,  which  he  attached  to  his  own  person,  he  threw 
the  horn  from  its  noose,  and  blew  a  lively  and  short  strain, 
that  rolled  up  the  valley  in  mellow  and  melodious  notes. 
When  the  instrument  was  removed  from  his  lips,  the  youth 
listened  till  the  last  of  the  distant  echoes  was  done,  as  if 
expecting  some  reply.  He  was  not  disappointed.  Present- 
Iv  an  answering  blast  came  down  the  gorge,  ringing  among 
the  woods,  and  causing  the  hearts  of  many  of  its  tenants 
to  beat  quick  and  fearfully.  The  sounds  of  the  unseen  in- 
strument were  far  more  shrill  and  wild  than  those  of  the 
hunting-horn,  while  they  wanted  not  for  melancholy  sweet- 
ness. They  appeared  both  familiar  and  intelligible  to  the 
young  forester,  who  no  sooner  heard  them,  than  he  slung 
the  horn  in  its  usual  turn  of  the  cord,  resumed  the  fusee, 
and  stood  in  an  attitude  of  expectation. 

It  might  have  been  a  minute  before  another  youth  ap- 
peared  in  the  path,  higher  in  the  gorge,  and  advancing 
slowly  towards  the  forester.  His  dress  was  rustic,  and  al- 
together that  of  a  peasant,  while  in  his  hand  he  held  a  long, 
straight,  narrow  tulic  of  cherry  wood,  firmly  wrapped 
with  bark,  having  a  uKJUth-piecc  and  a  small  bell  at  the 
opposite  end,  resembling  those  of  a  trumpet.  As  he  came 
forward,  his  face  was  not  without  an  expression  of  ill- 
liumor,  th(jugh  it  was  rather  rendered  comic  than  grave, 
by  a  large  felt  hat,  the  front  rim  of  which  fell  in  an  enor- 
mous shade  above  his  eyes,  rendering  the  trim  cock  in  the 
rear,  ludicrously  pretending.  His  legs,  like  those  of  the 
forester,  were  encased  in  a  sort  of  leathern  hose,  that  left 
the  limbs  naked  and  free  below  the  knee,  while  the  gar- 
miMit  above  set  so  looselv  and  unhultomul  above  that  im- 
portant joint,  as  to  offer  no  restraint  to  his  movements. 


24  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

"Thou  art  behind  thy  time,  Gottlob,"  said  the  young 
forester,  as  the  boor  approached,  "  and  the  good  hermit 
will  not  give  us  better  welcome  for  keeping  him  from 
prayer.     What  has  become  of  thy  herd  ?" 

"  That  may  the  holy  man  of  the  Heidenmauer  declare, 
for  it  is  more  than  I  could  answer  were  Lord  Emich  him' 
self  to  put  the  question,  and  say,  in  the  manner  he  is  wont 
to  use  to  the  Abbot  of  Limburg — what  hath  become  of  thy 
herd,  Gottlob  ? " 

"  Nay,  this  is  no  trifling  matter,  if  thou  hast,  in  sooth, 
let  the  cattle  stray  !  Where  hadst  thou  the  beasts  last  in 
sight?" 

"  Here  in  the  forest  of  Hartenburg,  Master  Berchthold, 
on  the  honor  of  an  humble  servitor  of  the  Count." 

'*  Thou  wilt  yet  lose  this  service,  Gottlob,  by  thy  cai^e- 
lessness ! " 

"It  would  be  a  thousand  pities  were  thy  words  to  be 
true,  for  in  that  case  Lord  Emich  would  lose  the  honestest 
cow-herd  in  Germany,  and  it  would  go  near  to  break  my 
heart  were  the  friars  of  Limburg  to  get  him  !  But  the 
beasts  cannot  be  far  and  I  will  try  the  vu'tue  of  the  horn 
once  more,  before  I  go  home  to  a  broken  head  and  a  dis- 
charge. Dost  thou  know,  Master  Berchthold,  that  the 
disgrace  of  which  thou  speakest  never  yet  befell  any  of  my 
family,  and  we  have  been  keepers  of  cattle  longer  than  the 
Friedrichs  have  been  electors  ?  " 

The  forester  made  an  impatient  gesture,  patted  his 
hounds,  and  waited  for  the  effects  of  the  new  blast,  that 
his  companion  was  by  this  time  preparing  to  sound.  The 
manner  of  Gottlob  was  that  of  entire  confidence  in  his  own 
knowledge  of  his  calling,  for  notwithstanding  his  words, 
his  countenance  at  no  time  betrayed  uneasiness  for  the 
fate  of  his  trust.  The  valley  was  soon  ringing  with  the 
wild  and  plaintive  tones  of  the  cherry-wood  horn,  the  hind 
taking  care  to  give  the  strains  those  intonations,  which, 
by  a  mute  convention,  had  from  time  immemorial  been 
understood  as  the  si2:nal  for  collectinsf  a  lost  herd.  His 
skill  and  faith  were  soon  rewarded,  for  cow  after  cow  came 
leaping  out  of  the  forest,  as  he  blew  his  air,  and  ere  long 
the  necessary  number  of  animals  were  in  the  path,  the 
younger  beasts  frisking  along  the  way,  with  elevated  tails 
and  awkward  bounds,  while  the  more  staid  contributors 
of  the  dairy  hurried  on,  with  business-like  air  but  grave 
steps,  as  better  became  their  years  and  their  characters  in 


THE  HETDENMAUER.  25 

the  hamlet.  In  a  few  minutes  they  were  all  collected 
around  the  person  of  the  keeper,  who  having  counted  his 
charge,  shouldered  his  horn,  and  disposed  himself  to  pro- 
ceed towards  the  lower  extremity  of  the  gorge. 

"  Thou  art  lucky  to  have  gotten  the  beasts  together,  with 
so  little  trouble,  Gottlob,"  resumed  the  forester,  as  they 
followed  in  the  train  of  the  herd. 

"Say  dexterous.  Master  Berchthold,  and  do  not  fear  to 
make  me  vain-glorious.  In  the  way  of  understanding  my 
own  merits  there  is  little  danger  of  doing  me  harm.  Thou 
shouldst  never  discourage  modesty,  by  an  over-scrupulous 
discretion.  It  would  be  a  village  miracle,  were  a  herd  so 
nurtured  in  the  ways  of  the  church  to  forget  its  duty  ! " 

The  forester  laughed,  but  he  looked  aside,  like  one  who 
would  not  see  that  to  which  he  wished  to  be  blind. 

"At  thy  old  tricks,  friend  Gottlob  !  Thou  hast  let  the 
beasts  roam  upon  the  range  of  the  friars !  " 

"  I  have  paid  Peter's  pence,  been  to  the  chapel  of  St. 
Benedict  for  prayer,  confessed  to  Fatlier  Arnolph  himself, 
and  all  within  the  month  :  what  more  need  a  man  do,  to 
be  in  favor  with  the  Brothers  ?  " 

"  1  could  wish  to  know  if  thou  ever  entertainest  Father 
Arnolph  with  the  history  of  thy  visits  to  the  pastures  of 
the  convent,  with  Lord  Emich's  herd,  honest  Gottlob." 

"So!  Dost  thou  fancy.  Master  Berchthold,  that,  at  a 
moment  when  there  is  every  necessity  to  possess  a  calm 
and  contemplative  spirit,  I  should  strive  to  put  the  pious 
monk  in  a  passion,  by  relating  all  the  antics  of  some  ill- 
bred  cow,  or  of  a  heifer,  who  is  as  little  to  be  trusted  with- 
out a  keeper,  as  your  jung-frau  before  she  reaches  the 
years  of  caution  is  to  be  trusted  at  ^a  fair  without  her 
mother,  or  a  sharp-sighted  old  aunt,  at  tlie  very  least!" 

*'  Well,  have  a  care,  Gottlob,  for  Lord  Emich,  though 
loving  the  friars  so  little,  will  be  apt  to  order  thee  into  a 
dungeon,  on  bread  and  water  for  a  week,  or  to  make  thy 
back  acquainted  with  the  lash,  should  he  come  to  hear  that 
one  of  his  hinds  has  taken  tliis  liberty  Avitli  the  rights  (;f  a 
neighb(^r." 

"Let  Lord  Emich  tlien  expel  tlie  l)r(»th(Mh()od  from  the 
richest  pasturage  near  the  Jaegerthal.  Mesii  and  bhjod 
cannot  bear  to  see  the  beasts  of  a  noble  digging  into  the 
earth  with  their  teeth,  after  a  few  bitter  herbs,  while  the 
carrion  of  a  convent  are  rolling  the  finest  and  sweetest 
grasses  over  their  tongues.    Look  you.  Master  Berchthold, 


26  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

these  friars  of  Limburg  eat  the  fattest  venison,  drink  the 
warmest  wine,  and  say  the  sliortest  prayers  of  any  monks 
in  Christendom!  Potz-Tausend  !  There  are  some  who 
accuse  them,  too,  of  shriving  the  prettiest  girls  !  As  for 
bread  and  water,  and  a  dungeon,  I  know  from  experience 
that  neither  of  the  remedies  agrees  with  a  melancholy 
constitution,  and  I  defy  the  Emperor,  or  even  the  Holy 
Father  himself,  to  work  such  a  miracle  as  to  make  back 
of  mine  acquainted  with  the  lash." 

"  Simply  because  the  introduction  hath  long  since  had 
place." 

"  That  is  thy  interpretation  of  the  matter.  Master  Bercht- 
hold,  and  I  wish  thee  joy  of  a  quick  wit.  But  we  are  get- 
ting beyond  the  limits  of  the  forest,  and  we  will  dismiss  the 
question  to  another  conversation.  The  beasts  are  full,  and 
will  not  disappoint  the  dairy  girls,  and  little  matters  it 
whence  the  nourishment  comes — Lord  Emich's  pastures 
or  a  churchly  miracle.  Thou  hast  hunted  the  dogs  lightly 
to-day,  Berchthold  ? " 

"  I  have  had  them  on  the  mountains  for  air  and  move- 
ment. They  got  away  on  the  heels  of  a  roebuck  for  a  short 
run,  but  as  all  the  game  in  this  chase  belongs  to  our 
master,  I  did  not  see  fit  to  let  them  go  faster  than  there 
was  need." 

"  I  rejoice  to  hear  thee  say  it,  for  I  count  upon  thy  com- 
pany in  climbing  the  mountain  wherj  our  work  is  ended  ; 
thy  legs  will  only  be  the  fresher  for  the  toil." 

''  Thou  hast  my  word,  and  I  will  not  fail  thee  ;  in  order 
that  no  time  be  lost,  we  will  part  here  to  meet  again  in  the 
hamlet." 

The  forester  and  the  cow-lierd  made  signs  of  leave-tak- 
ing, and  separated.  The  former  quitted  the  public  road, 
turning  short  to  the  right  by  a  private  way,  which  led  him 
across  narrow  meadows,  and  the  little  river  that  glided 
among  them,  towards  the  foot  of  the  opposite  mountain. 
Gottlob  held  on  his  course  to  a  hamlet  that  was  now  visi- 
ble, and  which  completely  filled  a  narrow  pass  in  the  val- 
ley, at  a  point  where  the  latter  made  a  turn,  nearly  at  a 
right  angle  with  its  general  direction. 

The  path  of  the  fornier  led  him  to  a  habitation  very  dif- 
ferent from  the  rude  dwellings  towards  which  the  steps  of 
the  cow-herd  tended.  A  massive  castle  occupied  a  pro- 
jecting point  of  the  mountain,  overhanging  the  cluster  of 
houses  in  the  gorge,  and  frowning  upon  all  that  attempt- 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  27 

cd  to  pass.  The  structure  was  a  vast  but  irregular  pile. 
The  more  modern  parts  were  circular  salient  towers,  that 
were  built  upon  the  uttermost  verge  of  the  rock,  from 
whose  battlements  it  would  not  have  been  difficult  to  cast 
a  stone  into  the  road,  and  which  denoted  great  attention 
to  strength  in  their  masonry,  while  beauty  of  form  and  of 
workmanship,  as  they  were  understood  at  the  period  of 
which  we  write,  were  not  entirely  neglected.  Tliese  tow- 
ers, though  large,  were  mere  appendages  to  the  main 
building,  which,  seen  from  the  position  now  before  tlie 
mind  of  the  reader,  presented  a  confused  maze  of  walls, 
chimneys,  and  roofs.  In  some  places,  the  former  rose 
from  the  greensward  which  covered  the  hill-side  ;  while  in 
(jthers,  advantage  had  been  taken  of  the  living  rock,  which 
was  frequently  so  blended  with  the  pile  it  supported,  both 
being  of  the  same  reddish  free-stone,  that  it  was  not  easy 
at  the  first  glance  to  say,  what  had  been  done  by  nature 
and  what  by  art. 

The  path  of  the  forester  led  from  the  valley  up  the 
mountain,  by  a  gradual  and  lateral  ascent  to  a  huge  gate 
that  opened  beneath  a  high  arch,  communicating  witli  a 
court  within.  On  this  side  of  the  castle  there  was  neither 
ditch,  nor  bridge,  nor  any  other  of  the  usual  defences,  be- 
vond  a  portcullis,  for  the  position  of  the  hold  rendered 
these  precautions  in  a  measure  unnecessary.  Still  great 
care  had  been  taken  to  prevent  a  surprise,  and  it  would 
have  required  a  sure  foot,  a  steady  head,  and  vigorous 
limbs,  to  have  effected  an  entrance  into  the  edifice,  by  any 
(Uher  passage  than  its  gate. 

When  Bcrchthoici  I'eachcd  the  little  terrace  that  lay  be- 
fore the  portal,  he  loosened  his  horn,  and,  standing  on  the 
verge  of  the  precipice,  blew  a  hunting  strain,  apparently 
in  glee.  The  music  echoed  among  the  hills  as  suited  the 
sput,  and  more  than  one  crone  of  tlie  hamlet  suspended 
her  t(jil,  in  dull  admiration,  to  listen  to  its  wild  effect.  Re- 
placing the  instrument,  the;  youth  spoke  to  his  hounds  and 
passed  beneath  the  jjurtcullis,  which  liappencd  to  be  raised 
at  the  moment. 


a8  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 


CHAPTER  II. 

"What  sayest  thou  to  a  hare,  or  the  melancholy  of  moor-ditch  ?" 

— King  Henry  IV. 

The  light  had  nearly  disappeared  from  the  gorge,  in 
which  the  hamlet  of  Hartenburg  lay,  when  Berchthold 
descended  from  the  castle,  by  a  path  different  from  that 
by  which  he  had  entered  it  an  hour  before,  and  crossing 
the  rivulet  by  a  bridge  of  stone,  he  ascended  the  opposite 
bank  into  the  street,  or  rather  the  road.  The  young  for- 
ester having  kennelled  the  hounds,  had  laid  aside  his  leash 
and  fusee,  but  he  still  kept  the  horn  suspended  from  his 
shoulder.  At  his  side,  too,  he  carried  a  couteau-de-chasse, 
a  useful  instrument  of  defence  in  that  age  and  country,  as 
well  as  a  weapon  he  was  entitled  to  carry,  in  virtue  of  his 
office  under  the  Count  of  Leiningen-Hartenburg,  the  mas- 
ter of  the  hold  he  had  just  quitted,  and  the  feudal  lord  of 
most  of  the  adjoining  mountains,  as  well  as  of  sundry 
villages  on  the  plain  of  the  Palatinate.  It  would  seem 
that  the  cow-lierd  expected  his  associate,  or  perhaps  we 
might  venture  to  call  him  friend,  for  such  in  truth  did  he 
appear  to  be,  by  the  easy  terms  on  wdiich  they  met.  Gott- 
lob  was  in  waiting  near  the  cottage  of  his  mother,  and 
when  the  two  joined  each  other  they  communicated  by  a 
sign,  and  proceeded  with  swift  steps,  leaving  the  cluster  of 
houses. 

Immediately  on  quitting  the  hamlet,  the  valley  expanded, 
and  took  that  character  of  fertility  and  cultivation,  which 
has  been  described  to  the  reader  in  the  Introduction  ;  for 
all  who  have  perused  that  opening  and  necessary  preface 
to  our  labors,  will  at  once  recognize  that  the  two  youths 
introduced  to  their  acquaintance,  were  now  in  the  moun- 
tain basin  which  contained  the  Abbey  of  Limburg.  But 
three  centuries,  wliile  they  have  effected  little  in  altering 
tlie  permanent  features  of  the  place,  have  wrought  essen- 
tial changes  in  those  which  w^ere  more  perishable. 

As  the  young  men  moved  sw^iftly  on,  the  first  rays  of  the 
moon  touched  the  tops  of  the  mountains,  and  ere  they  had 
gone  a  mile,  always  holding  the  direction  of  the  pass 
which  communicated  with  the  valley  of  the  Rhine,  the 
towers  and  roofs  of  the  Abbey  itself  were  illuminated.  The 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  29 

convcntUcil  buildings  were  then  perfect,  resembling,  by 
their  number  and  confusion,  the  grouping  of  some  village, 
while  a  strong  and  massive  wall  encircled  the  entire  brow 
of  the  isolated  hill.  The  construction  resembled  one  of 
those  warlike  ecclesiastical  princes  of  the  middle  ages,  who 
wore  armor  beneath  the  stole  ;  for  while  the  towers  and 
painted  windows,  the  pious  memorials  and  votive  monu- 
ments, denoted  the  objects  of  the  establishment,  the  de- 
fences betrayed  that  as  much  dependence  was  placed  on 
human  as  on  other  means,  for  the  protection  of  those  who 
composed  the  brotherhood. 

"  There  is  a  moon  for  a  monk  as  well  as  for  a  cow-herd, 
it  would  seem,"  observed  Gottlob,  speaking,  however,  in  a 
voice  subdued  nearly  to  a  whisper.  "  There  comes  the 
light  upon  the  high  tower  of  the  Abbey,  and  presently  it 
will  be  glistening  on  the  bald  head  of  every  straggler  of 
the  convent,  who  is  abroad  tasting  the  last  vintage,  or 
otherwise  prying  into  the  affairs  of  some  burgher  of 
Duerckheim  [ " 

"Thou  hast  not  much  reverence  for  the  pious  fathers, 
honest  Gottlob  ;  for  it  is  seldom  thou  lettcst  opportunity 
pass  to  do  them  an  ill  turn,  with  tongue  or  hungry  beast." 

"Look  you,  Berchthold,  we  vassals  are  little  more  than 
so  much  clear  water  in  which  our  master  may  see  his  own 
countenance,  and  at  need  his  own  humors.  Whenever 
Lord  Emich  has  a  sincere  hatred  for  man  or  horse, 
dog  or  cat,  town  or  village,  monk  or  count,  I  know 
not  why  it  is  so,  but  I  feel  my  own  choler  rise,  until  I 
am  both  ready  and  willing  to  strike  when  he  striketh,  to 
curse  when  he  curseth,  and  even  to  kill  when  he  killeth." 

*"Tis  a  good  temper  for  a  servitor,  but  it  is  to  be 
hoped,  for  the  sake  of  Christian  credit,  tiiat  the  sympathy 
does  not  end  here,  but  tliat  thy  affections  are  as  social  as 
thy  dislikes." 

"More  so,  as  there  is  faith  in  nian  !  Count  Emich  is  a 
huge  lover  of  a  venison  pasty  of  a  nKjrning,  and  I  feel  a 
yearning  fcjr  it  the  day  long — Count  l^nich  will  despatch 
y(Mi  a  b(jttle  of  Deurckheim  in  an  lioui",  whereas  two 
would  scarce  show  my  zeal  for  his  honor  in  the  same  time  , 
and  as  for  other  mortifications  of  this  nature,  I  am  not  the 
man  to  desert  my  master  for  want  of  zeal." 

"I  believe  thee,  Gottlob," said  Berchthold,  laughing,  "and 
even  niore  than  thou  canst  find  words  to  say  in  thine  own 
favor,  on  topics  like  these.     But,  after  all,  the  Benedictines 


30  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

arc  churchmen,  and  sworn  to  their  faith  and  duty,  as  well 
as  any  bishop  in  Germany  ;  and  I  do  not  see  the  cause  of 
all  the  dislike  of  either  lord  or  vassal." 

"Ay,  thou  art  in  favor  with  some  of  the  fraternity,  and 
it  is  rare  that  the  week  passes  in  which  thou  art  not  kneel- 
ing before  some  of  their  altars  ;  but  with  me  the  case  is 
different,  for  since  the  penance  commanded  for  that  affair 
of  dealing  a  little  freely  with  one  of  their  herds,  I  have 
small  digestion  for  their  spiritual  food." 

"And  yet  thou  hast  paid  Peter's  pence,  said  thy  prayers, 
and  confessed  thy  sins  to  Father  Arnolph,  and  all  within 
the  month  !  " 

"  What  wouldst  thou  have  of  a  sinner  ?  I  gave  the 
money  on  the  promise  of  having  it  back  with  usury  ;  I 
prayed  on  account  of  an  accursed  tooth  that  torments  me, 
at  times,  in  a  manner  worse  than  a  damned  soul  is  liar- 
rowed  ;  and  as  to  confession,  ever  since  my  uncommon 
candor,  concerning  the  herd,  got  me  into  that  penance,  I 
confess  imder  favor  of  a  proper  discretion.  To  tell  the 
truth,  Master  Berchthold,  the  church  is  something  like  a 
two-year  cjld  wife  ;  pleasant  enough  when  allowed  her  own 
wav,  but  a  devil  of  a  vixen  when  fcjlded  against  her  will." 

The  young  forester  was  thoughtful  and  silent,  and  as 
they  were  now  in  the  vicinity  of  the  hamlet  whicli  belonged 
to  the  friars  of  Limburg,  his  loquacious  and  prurient 
companion  saw  fit  to  imitate  his  reserve,  from  a  motive  of 
prudence.  The  little  artificial  lake  mentioned  in  tlie 
Introduction  was  in  existence,  at  the  time  of  our  talc  ;  but 
the  inn,  with  the  ambitious  sign  of  the  anchor,  is  the  fruit 
of  far  more  modern  enterprise.  When  the  young  men 
reached  a  ravine,  that  opened  into  the  mountain  near  the 
present  site  of  this  tavern,  they  turned  aside  from  the  high 
road,  first  taking  care  to  observe  that  no  curious  eye 
watched  tlieir  movements. 

Here  commenced  a  long  and  somewhat  painful  ascent, 
by  means  of  a  rough  path,  that  was  only  lighted  in  spots 
by  the  rising  moon.  The  vigorous  limbs  of  the  forester 
and  the  cow-herd,  however,  soon  carried  them  to  the  sum- 
mit of  the  most  advanced  spur  of  the  adjoining  mountain, 
where  they  arrived  upon  an  open  heath-like  plain.  Al- 
though the  discourse  between  them  had  been  maintained 
during  the  ascent,  it  was  in  more  subdued  tones  even  than 
when  beneath  the  walls  of  Limburg,  the  spirits  of  Gottlob 
appearing  to  ooze  away  the  higher  he  mounted. 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  31 

"This  is  a  dreary  and  a  courage-killing  waste,  Bercht- 
hold,"  whispered  the  cow-herd,  as  his  foot  touched  the 
level  ground  ;  "and  it  is  even  more  disheartening  to  enter 
on  it  by  the  aid  of  the  moon,  than  in  tlie  dark.  Hast  ever 
been  nearer  to  the  Teufelstein,  at  this  hour  ? " 

"  I  came  upon  it  once  at  midnight ;  for  it  was  there  I 
made  acquaintance  with  liim  that  we  are  now  about  to 
visit — Did  I  never  relate  the  manner  of  that  meeting?  " 

''  What  a  habit  hast  thou  of  taxing  a  memory  !  Perhaps 
if  thou  wert  to  repeat  it,  I  might  recall  tlie  facts  by  the 
time  thou  wert  ended  ;  and  to  speak  truth,  thy  voice  is 
comfortable  on  this  sprite's  common." 

The  young  forester  smiled,  but  without  derision,  for  he 
saw  that  his  companion,  spite  of  his  indifference  to  all 
grave  subjects,  was,  as  is  generally  the  case,  the  most  af- 
fected of  the  two  when  put  to  a  serious  trial,  and  perhaps 
he  also  remembered  the  difference  that  education  had 
made  in  their  powers  of  thinking.  That  he  did  not  treat 
the  subject  as  one  of  light  import  himself,  v/as  also  ap- 
parent by  the  regulated  and  cautious  manner  in  which  he 
delivered  the  following  account. 

'*  I  had  been  on  the  chases  of  Lord  Emich  since  the  ris- 
ing of  the  sun,"  commenced  Berchthold,  "  for  there  was 
need  of  more  than  common  vigilance  to  watch  the  neigh- 
boring boors.  The  search  had  led  me  far  into  the  hills, 
and  the  night  came,  not  as  it  is  now  seen,  but  so  pitchy 
dark,  that,  accustomed  as  I  was  from  childhood  to  the 
forest,  it  w\as  not  possible  to  tell  the  direction  of  even  a 
star,  much  less  that  of  the  Castle.  For  hours  I  wandered, 
hoping  at  each  moment  to  reach  the  opening  of  the  valley, 
when  I  found  myself  of  a  sudden  in  a  field  that  appeared 
endless  and  uninhabited." 

"  Aye — That  was  this  devil's  ball-room  ! — thou  meanest 
untenanted  by  man." 

"  Hast  thou  ever  known  the  helplessness  of  being  lost 
in  the  forest,  Gottlob  ? " 

"In  my  own  person,  never.  Master  Berchthold;  but  in 
that  of  my  herd,  it  is  a  misfortune  that  uften  befalls  me, 
sinner  that  I  am  ! " 

"  I  know  not  that  sympathy  with  thy  cows  can  teach  thee 
the  humiliation  and  depression  that  come  over  the  mind, 
when  we  stand  on  this  goodly  earth,  cut  off  from  all  com- 
munication with  our  fellows,  in  a  desert,  though  sur- 
rounded by  living  men,  deprived  of  the  senses  of  sight  and 


32  THE  I/EIDENMA  UER. 

hearing  for  useful  ends,  and  with  all  the  signs  of  God  be- 
fore the  eyes,  and  yet  with  none  of  the  common  means  of 
enjoying  his  bounty,  from  having  lost  the  clew  to  his  in- 
tentions." 

"  Must  the  teeth,  of  necessity,  be  idle,  or  the  throat  dry, 
Master  Forester,  because  the  path  is  hid  ?" 

"At  such  a  moment  the  appetites  are  quieted,  in  the 
grand  desire  to  return  to  our  usual  communication  with 
the  earth.  It  is  like  being  restored  to  the  helplessness  of 
infancy,  with  ail  the  wants  and  habits  of  manhood  beset- 
ting the  character  and  wishes." 

"  If  thou  callest  such  a  thing  a  restoration,  friend  Bercht- 
hold,  I  shall  make  interest  with  St.  Benedict  that  I  may 
remain  deposed  to  the  end  of  my  days." 

"  I  weigh  not  the  meaning  of  every  word  I  utter,  with 
the  recollection  of  that  helpless  moment  so  fresh.  But  it 
was  when  tlie  desolate  feeling  was  strongest,  that  I  roved 
out  of  the  chase  upon  this  mountain  heath  ;  there  ap- 
peared something  before  my  sight,  that  seemed  a  house, 
and  by  a  bright  light  that  glittered,  as  I  fancied,  at  a 
window,  I  felt  again  restored  to  intercourse  with  my 
kind." 

''  Thou  usest  thy  terms  with  more  discretion  now,"  said 
the  cow-herd,  fetching  a  heavy  breath,  like  one  who  was 
glad  the  difficulty  had  found  a  termination.  "  I  hope  it 
was  the  abode  of  some  substantial  tenant  of  Lord  Emich, 
who  was  not  without  the  means  of  comforting  a  soul  in 
distress." 

"  Gottlob,  the  dwelling  was  no  other  than  the  Teufel- 
stein,  and  the  light  was  a  twinkling  star,  that  chance  had 
brought  in  a  line  with  the  rock." 

"  I  take  it  for  granted,  Master  Berchthold,  thou  didst 
not  knock  twice  for  admission  at  that  door ! " 

"  I  am  not  much  governed  by  the  vulgar  legends  and 
womanish  superstitions  of  our  hills,  but " 

*'  Softly — softly — friend  forester  ;  what  thou  callest  by 
names  so  irreverent,  are  the  opinions  of  all  who  dwell  in 
or  about  Deurckheim  ;  knight  or  monk — burgher  or  count, 
has  equally  a  respect  for  our  venerable  traditions.  Tausand 
Sechs  und  Zvvanziges  !  what  would  become  of  us  if  we 
liad  not  a  gory  tale,  or  some  alarming  and  reverend  spec- 
tacle of  this  sort,  to  set  up  against  the  penances,  and 
prayers,  and  masses  of  the  Friars  of  Limburg ! — As  much 
wisdom   and   philosophy  as    thou   wilt,   foster-brother    of 


THE   JIEIDENMAUER.  33 

mine,  but  leave  us  our  Devil,  if  it  be  only  to  make  battle 
airainst  the  Abbot  !  " 

"  Notwithstanding  thy  big  words,  I  well  know  that  none 
among  us  has,  at  heart,  a  greater  dread  of  tliis  very  hill 
than  thyself,  Gottlob  !  I  have  seen  thee  sweat  cold  drops 
from  thy  forehead,  in  crossing  the  heath  after  night-fall." 

'*  Art  quite  sure  'twas  not  the  dew?  We  have  heavy 
falls  of  tliat  moisture  in  these  hills,  when  the  earth  is 
parched ! " 

"  Let  it  then  be  the  dew." 

"  To  oblige  thee,  Berchthold,  I  would  willingly  swear  it 
was  a  water-spout.  But  what  didst  thou  make  of  the  rock 
and  the  star  t " 

"■  I  could  change  the  nature  of  neither.  I  pretend  not  to 
thy  indifference  to  the  mysterious  power  that  rules  the 
earth,  but  thou  well  knowest  that  fear  never  yet  kept  me 
from  this  hill.  When  a  near  approach  showed  me  my  error, 
I  was  abcmt  to  turn  away,  not  without  crossing  myself  and 
repeating  an  Ave,  as  I  am  ready  to  acknowledge  ;  but  a 
glance  upward  convinced  me  that  the  stone  was  occu- 
pied  " 

"  Occupied  ? — I  have  always  known  that  it  was  possessed, 
but  never  before  did  I  think  it  was  occupied  !" 

"There  was  one  seated  on  its  uppermost  projection,  as 
plainly  to  be  seen  as  the  rock  itself." 

"  Whereupon  thou  madest  manifest  that  good  speed 
which  had  gained  thee  the  favor  of  the  Count,  and  thy 
post  of  forester." 

"  I  hope  the  nerve  to  put  the  duties  of  my  office  in  prac- 
tice, had  their  weight  with  Lord  Emich,"  rejoined  Bercht- 
hold, a  little  quickly.  "I  did  not  run,  Gottlob,  but  I  spoke 
to  the  being  who  had  chosen  a  seat  so  remarkable,  and  at 
that  late  hoin-." 

vSpite  (^f  his  spirit  and  affected  humor,  the  cow-herd  un- 
consciously drew  nearer  to  his  companion,  casting  at  the 
same  time  an  oblic[ue  glance  in  the  direction  of  the  sus- 
pected rock. 

*'Thou  seemest  troubled,  Gottlob." 

"Dost  thou  think  1  am  without  ]:K)we]s  ?  What,  shall  a 
friend  oi  mine  be  in  this  strait,  and  1  not  troubled  !  Heaven 
save  thee,  Berchtliold,  were  the  best  c(nv  in  my  lierd 
off  her  stomach,  I  could  not  be  in  greater  concern,  lladst 
any  answer  ? " 

"  I  had — and  the  result  has  gone  to  show  me,"  returned 

3 


34  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

the  forester,  musing  as  he  spoke,  like  one  who  was  ob- 
taining glimpses  of  long-concealed  truth,  "  that  our  fears 
oftentimes  prevent  us  from  seeing  things  as  they  are,  and 
are  the  means  of  nourishing  our  mistakes.  I  got  an  an- 
swer, and  certainly,  contrary  to  what  most  in  Duerckheim 
would  have  believed,  it  was  given  in  a  human  voice." 

''  That  was  encouraging,  though  it  were  hoarser  than 
the  roaring  of  a  bull !  " 

"  It  spoke  mildly  and  in  reason,  Gottlob,  as  thou  wilt 
readily  believe,  when  I  tell  thee  it  was  no  other  than  the 
voice  of  the  Anchorite  of  the  Cedars.  Our  acquaintance 
then  and  there  commenced,  since  which  time,  as  thou 
knowest  well,  it  hath  not  flagged  for  want  of  frequent 
visits  to  his  abode,  on  my  part." 

The  cow-herd  walked  on  in  silence,  for  more  than  a 
minute,  and  then  stopping  short,  he  abruptly  addressed  his 
companion  : — 

"And  this  then  hath  been  thy  secret,  Berchthold,  con- 
cerning the  manner  of  commencing  on  thy  new  friend- 
ship." 

"There  is  no  other.  I  well  knew  how  much  thou  wert 
fettered  by  the  opinions  of  the  country,  and  was  afraid  of 
losing  thy  company  in  these  visits,  were  I,  without  cau- 
tion, to  tell  all  the  circumstances  of  our  interview.  But 
now  thou  hast  become  known  to  the  anchorite,  I  do  not 
fear  thy  desertion." 

"  Never  count  upon  too  many  sacrifices  from  thy  friends, 
Master  Berchthold  !  The  mind  of  man  is  borne  upon  by  so 
many  fancies,  is  ruled  by  so  many  vagaries,  and  tormented 
by  so  many  doubts,  when  there  is  question  concerning  the 
safety  of  the  body,  to  say  nothing  of  the  soul,  that  I  know 
no  more  rash  confidence,  than  to  count  too  securely  on 
the  sacrifices  of  a  friend." 

"Thou  knowest  the  path,  and  can  return  by  thyself,  to 
the  hamlet,  if  thou  wilt,"  said  the  forester  peevishly,  and 
not  without  severity. 

"  There  are  situations  in  which  it  is  as  difficult  to  go 
back  as  to  go  forward,"  observed  Gottlob  ;  "else,  Bercht- 
hold, I  might  take  thee  at  thy  word,  and  go  back  to  my 
careful  mother,  a  good  supper,  and  a  bed  that  stands 
between  a  picture  of  the  Virgin,  one  of  St.  Benedict,  and 
one  of  my  Lord  the  Count.  But  for  my  concern  for  thee, 
I  would  not  go  another  foot  toward  the  camp." 

"  Do  as  thou  wilt,"  said  the  forester,  who  appeared,  how- 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  35 

ever,  to  know  the  apprehension  his  companion  felt  of 
being  left  alone  in  that  solitary  and  suspected  spot,  and 
who  turned  his  advantage  to  good  account  by  quickening 
his  pace  in  such  a  manner  as  would  soon  have  left  Gott- 
lob  to  liis  own  thick-coming  fancies,  had  he  not  diligently 
imitated  his  gait.  "Thou  canst  tell  the  people  of  Lord 
Emich,  that  thou  abandoned  me  on  this  hill." 

"Nay,"  returned  Gottlob,  making  a  merit  of  necessity, 
"  if  I  do  that,  or  say  that,  may  they  make  a  Benedictine  of 
me,  and  the  Abbot  of  Limburg  to  boot ! " 

As  the  cow-herd,  who  felt  all  his  master's  antipathies 
against  their  religious  neighbors,  expressed  this  determin- 
ation in  a  voice  strong  as  his  resolution,  confidence  was  re- 
stored between  the  friends,  who  continued  their  progress 
with  swift  paces.  The  place  was,  sooth  to  say,  one  every 
way  likely  to  quicken  any  dormant  seeds  of  superstition 
that  education,  or  tradition,  or  local  opinions  had  im- 
planted in  the  human  breast. 

By  this  time  our  adventurers  had  approached  a  wood  of 
low  cedars,  which,  apparently  encircled  in  a  round  wall 
that  was  composed  of  a  confused  but  vast  pile  of  fallen 
stones,  grew  upon  tlie  advanced  spur  of  the  hills.  Behind 
them  lay  the  heatli-like  plain,  while  the  bald  rock  which 
the  moon-beams  had  just  lighted,  raising  its  head  from  out 
of  the  earth,  resembled  some  gloomy  monument  placed  in 
the  centre  of  the  waste,  to  mark  and  to  render  obvious,  by 
comparison,  the  dreary  solitude  of  the  naked  fields.  The 
back-ground  was  the  dark  slopes  and  ridges  of  the  forest 
of  the  Haart  mountains.  On  their  right  was  the  glen,  or 
valley,  from  which  they  had  just  ascended  ;  and  on  their 
front,  looking  a  little  obliquely  from  the  grove,  the  plain 
of  the  Palatinate,  wliich  lay  in  misty  obscurity,  like  a  dim 
sea  of  cultivation,  hundreds  of  feet  beneath  their  elevated 
stand. 

It  was  rare,  indeed,  that  any  immediate  dependant  of  the 
Count  Emich,  and  more  especially  any  of  those  who  dwelt  in 
or  about  his  castle,  and  who  were  likelv  to  be  called  into  his 
service  at  an  unexpected  moment,  ventured  so  far  from  the 
fortress,  and  in  the  direction  of  the  hostile  Abbey,  without 
providing  himself  with  the  means  of  offence  and  defence. 
BerchtlKjld  wore,  as  wont,  his  hunting-knife,  or  the  short 
straight  sword,  which  to  tliis  day  is  carried  by  that  descrip- 
tion of  European  dependant  called  a  chasseur,  and  who  is 
seen,  degraded  to  the  menial  offices  of  a  footman,  standing 


36  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

behind  the  carriages  of  ambassadors  and  princes,  remind- 
ing the  observant  spectator  of  the  regular  and  certain  de- 
cadency of  the  usages  of  feudal  times.  Neither  had  Gottlob 
been  neglectful  of  his  personal  security,  as  respects  human 
foes  ;  for  on  the  subject  of  resisting  all  such  attacks,  his 
manhood  was  above  reproach,  as  had  been  proved  in 
more  than  one  of  those  bloody  frays,  which  in  that  age 
were  of  frequent  occurrence  between  the  vassals  of  the 
minor  German  princes.  The  cow-herd  had  provided  him- 
self with  a  heavy  weapon  that  his  father  had  often  wielded 
in  battle,  and  which  needed  all  the  vigor  of  the  muscular 
arm  of  the  son,  to  flourish  with  a  due  observance  of  the  re- 
quired positions  and  attitudes.  Fire-arms  were  of  too 
much  value  and  of  too  imperfect  use  to  be  resorted  to  on 
every  light  occasion,  like  that  which  had  now  drawn  the 
foster-brothers,  for  such  supported  by  long  habit  was  the 
secret  of  the  intimacy  between  the  forester  and  the  cow- 
herd, from  their  hamlet  to  the  hill  of  Duerckheim. 

Berchthold  loosened  his  couteau-de-chasse,  as  he  turned 
by  an  ancient  gate-way,  whose  position  was  known  merely 
by  an  interruption  of  the  ditch  that  had  protected  this  face 
of  the  wall,  and  an  opening  in  the  wall  itself,  to  enter  the 
inclosure,  which  the  reader  will  at  once  recognize  as  the 
Pagan's  Camp  of  the  Introduction.  At  the  same  moment 
Gottlob  cast  his  heavy  weapon  from  his  shoulder,  and 
grasped  its  handle  in  a  more  scientific  manner.  There  was 
certainly  no  enemy  visible  to  justify  these  movements,  but 
the  increasing  solitude  of  the  place,  and  that  impression 
of  danger  which  besets  the  faculties,  when  we  find  our- 
selves in  situations  favorable  to  deeds  of  violence,  prob- 
ably induced  the  double  and  common  caution.  The  light  of 
the  moon,  which  was  not  yet  full,  had  not  sufficient  power 
to  penetrate  the  thick  branches  of  the  cedars  ;  and  when 
the  youths  were  fairly  beneath  the  gloomy  foliage,  al- 
though not  left  in  the  ordinary  darkness  of  a  clouded 
night,  they  were  perhaps  in  that  very  species  of  dull  and 
misty  ilhnnination,  which,  by  leaving  objects  uncertain 
while  visible,  is  the  best  adapted  to  undermine  the  confi- 
dence of  a  distrustful  spirit.  There  was  little  wind,  but 
the  sighs  of  the  night  air  were  plaintively  audible,  while 
the  adventurers  picked  their  way  among  the  fragments  of 
the  place. 

It  has  been  elsewhere  said,  that  the  Ileidenmauer  was 
originally  a  Roman  camp.     The  warlike  and  extraordinary 


THE   HErDENMAUER,  37 

people  who  had  erected  these  advanced  works  on  the  re- 
motest frontier  of  their  wide  empire,  had,  of  course,  neg- 
lected none  of  the  means  that  \vere  necessary,  under  the 
circumstances,  either  for  their  security  or  for  their  comfort. 
The  first  iiad  been  sufficiently  obtained  by  the  nearly  iso- 
lated position  of  tlie  hill,  prcjtected,  as  it  was,  by  walls  so 
massive  and  so  high  as  those  must  have  been,  which  had 
consumed  the  quantity  of  materials  still  visible  in  the  large 
circuit  that  remained  ;  while  the  interior  furnished  abund- 
ant proofs  that  the  latter  had  not  been  neglected,  in  its  in- 
tersecting remains,  over  which  Gottlob  more  than  once 
stumbled,  as  he  advanced  into  the  shadows  of  the  place. 
Here  and  there,  a  ruined  habitation,  more  or  less  dilapi- 
dated, was  still  standing,  furnishing,  like  the  memorable 
remains  of  Pompeii  and  Herculaneum,  interesting  and  in- 
fallible evidence  of  the  usages  of  those  who  have  so  long 
since  departed  to  their  eternal  rest.  It  would  seem,  by 
the  rude  repairs  w4iich  rather  injured  than  embellished 
these  touching,  though  simple  monuments  of  what  the  in- 
terior of  the  camp  had  been  in  its  day  of  power  and  pride, 
that  modern  adventurers  had  endeavored  to  turn  them  to 
account,  by  converting  the  falling  huts  into  habitations 
appropriated  to  their  own  temporary  uses.  All,  however, 
appeared  to  have  been  long  before  finally  abandoned  ;  for 
as  BerchthcUd  and  his  companion  stole  cautiously  among 
the  crumbling  stones,  the  gaping  rents  and  roofless  walls 
denoted  hopeless  decay.  At  length  the  youths  paused,  and 
fastened  their  looks  in  a  common  direction,  as  if  apprized 
that  they  were  near  the  goal  of  their  expedition. 

In  a  part  of  the  gro\e,  where  the  cedars  grew  more 
dense  and  luxuriant  than  on  most  of  that  stony  and  broken 
soil,  stood  a  single  low  building,  which,  of  all  there,  had 
the  air  of  being  still  habitable.  I>ike  the  others,  it  either 
had  been  originally  constructed  by  the  masters  of  the 
world,  or  restored  on  tlie  foundations  of  some  Roman  con- 
struction by  the  followers  of  Attila,  who,  it  will  be  remem- 
bered, had  passed  a  winter  in  this  camp  ;  and  it  was  now 
rendered  weather-proof  by  the  usual  devices  of  the  poor 
and  laborious.  There  was  a  single  window,  a  door,  and  a 
rude  chimney,  whicli  tlie  climate  and  the  elevated  situation 
of  the  place  rendered  nearly  indispensable.  The  light  of 
a  dim  torch  shone  through  the  former,  the  only  sign  that 
the  hut  was  tenanted  ;  for  on  the  exterior,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  rough  repairs  just  mentioned,  all  around  it  lay 


38  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

ill  the  neglected  and  eloquent  stillness  of  ruin.  The  reader 
will  not  imagine,  in  this  description,  any  of  that  massive 
grandeur  which  so  insensibly  attaches  itself  to  most  that 
is  connected  with  the  Roman  name  ;  for  while,  in  the  nat- 
ure of  things,  the  most  ponderous  and  the  most  imposing 
of  tlie  public  works  of  that  people  are  precisely  those 
which  are  the  most  likely  to  have  descended  to  our  own 
times,  the  traveller  often  meets  with  memorials  of  their 
power,  that  are  so  frail  and  perishable  in  their  construc- 
tion, as  to  owe  their  preservation,  in  a  great  measure,  to 
an  accidental  combination  of  circumstances  favorable  to 
such  a  result.  Still,  the  Roman  was  ordinarily  as  much 
greater  in  little  things,  if  connected  with  a  public  object, 
as  he  excelled  all  who  have  succeeded  him,  in  those  which 
were  of  more  importance.  The  Ringmauer,or  Heidenmauer, 
is  a  strong  proof  of  what  we  say.  There  is  not  an  arch, 
nor  a  tomb,  nor  a  gate,  nor  a  paved  road  of  any  descrip- 
tion in  the  vicinity  of  Duerckheim,  to  shovv'  that  the  post 
was  more  than  a  temporary  military  position  ;  and  yet  the 
presence  of  its  former  occupants  is  established  by  more 
evidence  than  would  probably  be  found,  a  century  hence, 
were  half  of  the  present  cities  of  Christendom  to  be  sud- 
denly abandoned.  But  these  evidences  are  rude  and 
suited  to  the  objects  which  had  brought  them  into  exist- 
ence. 

The  forester  and  the  cow-herd  stood  long  regarding  the 
solitary  hut,  which  had  arrested  their  looks  like  men  hesi- 
tating to  proceed. 

''  I  had  more  humor  for  the  company  of  the  honest 
anchorite.  Master  Berchthold,"  said  the  latter  "  before 
thou  madcst  me  acquainted  with  his  fondness  for  taking 
the  night  air  on  the  Teufelstein." 

"  Thou  hast  not  fear,  Gottlob  ?  Thou,  who  bearest  so 
good  a  name  for  courage  among  our  youths  ! " 

"  I  shall  be  the  las,t  to  accuse  myself  of  cowardice  or  of 
any  other  discreditable  quality,  friend  forester,  but  pru- 
dence is  a  virtue  in  a  youth,  as  the  Abbot  of  Limburg  him- 
self would  swear,  were  he  here " 

*'He  is  not  present  in  his  own  reverend  and  respected 
person,"  said  a  voice  so  nigh  the  ear  of  Gottlob,  as  to  cause 
him  to  jump  nimbly  aside;  "but  one  who  may  humbly 
represent  some  portion  of  his  sanctity,  is  not  wanting  to 
affirm  the  truth  of  what  thou  sayest,  son." 

The  startled  young  men  saw  that  a  monk  of  the  opposite 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  39 

mountain  had  unexpectedly  appeared  between  them. 
They  were  on  the  lands  of  the  Abbey,  or  rather  on  ground 
in  dispute  between  the  burghers  of  Duerckheim  and  the 
convent,  but  actually  in  possession  of  the  latter  ;  and  they 
felt  the  insecurity  of  their  situation  as  the  dependants  of 
the  count  of  Hartenburg.  Neither  spoke,  therefore,  for 
each  was  striving  to  invent  some  plausible  pretext  for  his 
appearance  in  a  place  so  unfrequented,  and  which,  in 
general,  was  held  in  so  little  favor  by  the  neighboring 
peasantry. 

"You  are  youths  of  Duerckheim?"  asked  the  monk,  en- 
deavoring to  observe  their  features  by  the  imperfect  light 
that  penetrated  the  foliage  of  the  dark  cedars.  Gottlob, 
whose  besetting  infirmity  was  a  too  exuberant  fluency  of 
tongue,  took  on  himself  the  task  of  answering. 

*' We  are  youths,  reverend  father,"  he  said,  "as  thy 
quick  and  sagacious  sight  hath  so  well  seen.  I  will  not 
deny  my  years,  and  if  I  would,  the  devil,  who  besets  all 
between  fifteen  and  five-and-twenty  in  the  shape  of  some 
giddy  infirmity,  would  soon  betray  the  imposture." 

"Of  Duerckheim,  son  ?" 

"  As  there  is  question  between  tlie  Abbey  and  the  town 
concerning  these  hills,  we  might  not  stand  any  better  in 
thy  favor,  holy  Benedictine,  were  we  to  say  yes." 

"In  that  suspicion  thou  dost  little  justice  to  the  Abbey, 
son  ;  we  may  defend  the  rights  of  the  Church,  confided  in 
their  temporalities  as  they  are  to  an  unworthy  and  sinful 
brotherhood,  without  feeling  any  uncharitableness  against 
those  who  believe  they  have  claims  better  than  our  own. 
Tiie  love  of  mammon  is  feeble  in  bosoms  that  are  devoted 
to  self-denying  and  repentant  lives.  Say  then  boldly  that 
that  you  are  a  Duerckheim,  and  dread  not  my  displeasure." 

''  Since  it  is  thy  good  pleasure,  benevolent  monk,  I  will 
say  boldly  that  we  are  of  Duerckheim." 

*'  And  you  come  to  consult  the  holy  Anchorite  of  the 
Cedars  ?  " 

"  It  is  not  necessary  that  I  should  tell  one  of  thy  knowl- 
edge of  human  nature,  reverend  Benedictine,  that  the  fail- 
ing of  all  dwellers  in  small  towns,  is  an  itching  to  look  into 
the  affairs  of  their  neighbors.  Hiinmel  !  If  our  worthy 
burgomasters  would  spare  a  little  time  from  the  affairs 
of  other  people  to  hxjk  into  their  own,  we  should  all 
be  greatly  gainers  ;  they  in  their  })roperty,  and  we  in  our 
comfort !" 


40  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

The  Benedictine  laughed,  and  he  motioned  for  the  youths 
to  follow,  advancing  himself  towards  the  hut. 

"  Since  you  have  given  yourself  this  trouble,  no  doubt 
with  a  praiseworthy  and  pious  intention,  my  sons,"  he  said, 
"let  not  respect  for  my  presence  change  your  purpose. 
We  will  go  into  the  cell  of  the  holy  hermit,  in  company  ; 
and  if  there  should  be  advantage  from  his  blessing,  or  dis- 
course, believe  me  I  will  not  be  so  unjust  as  to  envy  either 
of  you  a  share." 

"The  manner  in  which  the  friars  of  Limburg  deny 
themselves  advantages,  in  order  to  do  profit  to  their  fellow- 
Christians,  is  in  the  mouths  of  all,  far  and  near;  and  this 
generosity  of  thine,  reverend  monk,  is  quite  of  a  piece 
with  the  well-earned  reputation  of  the  whole  brother- 
hood." 

As  Gottlob  spoke  gravely,  and  bowed  with  sufficient 
reverence,  the  Benedictine  was  in  a  slight  degree  his 
dupe  ;  though,  as  he  passed  beneath  the  low  portal  of 
the  luit,  lie  could  not  prevent  a  lurking  suspicion  of  the 
truth. 


CHAPTER  III. 


**  He  comes  nt  last  in  sullen  loneliness, 
And  whence  they  know  not,  why  they  need  not  guess." — Lara. 

In  those  ages  in  wiiich  mortal  wrongs  were  chiefly  re- 
paired by  superstition,  and  the  slaves  of  the  grosser  pas- 
sions believed  they  were  only  to  be  rebuked  by  signal  acts 
of  physical  self-denial,  the  world  often  witnessed  examples 
of  men  retiring  from  its  allurements,  to  caves  and  huts,  for 
the  ostensible  purposes  of  penitence  and  prayer.  That  this 
extraordinary  pretension  to  godliness  was  frequently  the 
cloak  of  ambition  and  deceit  is  certain,  but  it  would  be  un- 
charitable to  believe  that,  in  common,  it  did  not  proceed 
from  an  honest,  though  it  might  be  an  ill-directed,  zeal. 
Hermitages  are  still  far  from  infrequent  in  the  more  south- 
ern parts  of  Europe,  though  they  are  of  rare  occurrence  in 
Germany  ;  but  previously  to  the  change  of  religion  which 
occurred  in  the  sixteenth  century,  and  consequently  near 
the  period  of  this  tale,  they  were  perhaps  more  often  met 
with  among  the  descendants  of  the  northern  race,  than 
among  the  more  fervid  fancies  of  the  southern  stock  of  that 


THE   HEIDEyMAUER.  41 

quarter  of  tlie  world.  It  is  a  law  of  nature  that  the  sub- 
stances which  most  easily  receive  impressions,  are  the  least 
likely  to  retain  them  ;  and  possibly  there  may  be  requisite 
a  constancy  and  severity  of  character  to  endure  the  never- 
ending  and  mortifying  exactions  of  the  anchorite,  that  were 
not  so  easily  found  among  the  volatile  and  happy  children 
of  the  sun,  as  among  the  sterner  offspring  of  the  regions  of 
cold  and  tempests. 

Whatever  may  be  said  of  the  principles  of  him  who  thus 
aband(jned  worldly  ease  fur  the  love  of  God,  it  is  quite 
sure,  that  in  practice,  there  were  present  and  soothing  re- 
wards in  this  manner  of  life,  that  were  not  without  strong 
attractions  to  morbid  minds  ;  especially  to  those  in  which 
the  seeds  of  ambition  were  dormant  rather  than  extinct.  It 
was  rare,  indeed,  that  a  recluse  established  himself  in  the 
vicinity  of  a  simple  and  religious  neighborhood,  and  few 
were  they  who  sought  absolute  solitude,  without  reaping  a 
rich  harvest  of  veneration  and  moral  dependence  among 
the  untrained  minds  of  his  admirers.  In  this  treacherous 
manner  does  vanity  beset  us  in  our  strong-holds  of  mental 
security,  and  he  who  has  abandoned  the  world,  in  the  hope 
of  leaving  behind  him  those  impulses  which  endangered 
his  hopes,  finds  the  enemy  in  a  new  shape,  intrenched  in 
the  very  citadel  of  his  defences.  There  is  little  merit,  and 
ccHnmonly  as  little  safety,  in  turning  the  back  on  any  dan- 
ger, and  he  has  far  less  claims  to  the  honors  of  a  hero  who 
outlives  the  contest  in  consequence  of  means  so  question- 
able, than  he  who  survives  because  he  has  given  a  mortal 
blow  to  his  antagonist.  The  task  assigned  to  man  is  to 
move  among  his  fellows  doing  good,  fjlling  his  part  in  the 
scale  of  creation,  and  escaping  from  none  of  the  iiigh 
duties  which  God  has  allotted  to  his  being;  and  greatly 
should  he  be  grateful,  that,  wliile  his  service  is  arduous,  he 
is  not  left  without  the  powerful  aid  of  tliat  intelligence 
which  controls  the  harmony  of  the  universe. 

The  Anchorite  of  the  Cedars,  as  the  recluse  now  visited 
by  the  monk  and  his  accidental  companions  was  usually 
termed  by  the  peasants,  and  by  the  burghers  of  Duerck- 
heim,  had  made  his  appearance  about  six  months  before 
the  opening  of  our  story,  in  the  Ringmauer.  Whence  he 
had  come,  how  long  he  intended  to  remain,  and  what  had 
been  his  [)revious  career,  were  facts  equally  unknown  to 
those  among  whom  lie  so  suddenly  took  up  his  abode. 
None  had  seen  him  arrive,  nor  could  any  say  from  what 


42  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

sources  he  drew  the  few  articles  of  household  furniture 
which  were  placed  in  his  hut.  They  who  left  the  camp 
untenanted  one  week,  or  returning  the  next,  had  found  it 
occupied  by  a  man,  who  had  arranged  one  of  the  deserted 
buildings  in  a  manner  to  shelter  him  from  the  storms,  and 
who,  by  erecting  a  crucifix  at  his  door,  had  sufficiently  an- 
nounced the  motive  of  his  retirement.  It  was  usual  to  hail 
the  establishment  of  a  hermit  in  any  particular  district,  as 
a  propitious  event  ;  and  many  were  the  hopes  excited,  and 
plans  of  effecting  temporal  objects  concocted,  by  the  in- 
tervention of  the  prayers  of  the  stranger,  before  his  pres- 
ence had  been  known  a  fortnight.  All  within  the  influence 
of  the  name  of  the  hermit,  except  Emich  of  Leiningen- 
Hartenburg,  the  burgomasters  of  Duerckheim,  and  the 
monks  of  Limburg,  heard  of  his  arrival  with  satisfaction. 
The  haughty  and  warlike  baron  had  imbibed  a  standing 
prejudice  against  all  devotees,  from  an  inherited  enmity  to 
the  adjoining  convent,  which  had  contested  the  sovereignty 
of  tlie  valley  with  his  family  for  ages  ;  while  the  magistrates 
had  a  latent  jealousy  of  every  influence  wiiich  custom  and 
the  laws  had  not  rendered  familiar.  As  to  the  monks,  the 
secret  of  their  distrust  was  to  be  found  in  that  principle 
of  human  nature,  which  causes  us  to  dislike  being  outdone 
in  any  merit  of  which  we  make  an  especial  profession, 
even  though  superior  godliness  be  its  object.  Until  now 
the  Abbot  of  Limburg  was  held  to  be  the  judge,  in  the 
last  resort,  of  all  intercessions  between  earth  and  heaven ; 
and  as  his  supremacy  had  the  support  of  time,  he  had  long 
enjoyed  it  in  that  careless  security  which  lures  so  many  of 
the  prosperous  to  their  downfall. 

These  antipathies  on  the  part  of  the  honored  and  power- 
ful might,  to  say  the  least,  have  rendered  the  life  of  the 
anchorite  very  uncomfortable,  if  not  positively  insecure, 
were  it  not  for  the  neutralizing  effect  of  the  antagonistic 
forces  which  were  set  in  motion.  Opinion,  deepened  by 
superstition,  held  its  shield  over  the  humble  hut,  and 
month  after  month  glided  away,  after  the  arrival  of  the 
stranger,  during  which  he  received  no  other  testimonials 
of  the  feelings  excited  by  his  presence,  than  those  con- 
nected with  the  reverence  of  the  bulk  of  the  population. 
An  accidental  communication  with  Berchthold  was  ripen- 
ing into  intimacy,  and,  as  will  be  seen  in  the  course  of  the 
narrative,  there  were  others  to  whom  his  counsel,  or  his 
motives,  or  his  prayers,  were  not  indifferent. 


THE   HEIDENMAUER. 


43 


The  latter  fnct  was  made  sufficiently  apparent  to  those 
who  on  account  of  their  mutual  distrust,  now  presented 
themselves  with  less  ceremony  than  usual,  at  the  threshold 
of  the  hut.  The  light  within  came  from  a  fagot  which  was 
burning  on  the  rude  hearth,  but  it  was  quite  strong  enough 
to  show  the  monk  and  his  companions  that  the  anchorite 
was  not  alone.  Their  footsteps  had  evidently  been  heard, 
and  a  female  had  time  to  arise  from  her  knees,  and  to  ar- 
range her  mantle  in  such  a  manner  as  effectually  to  con- 
ceal her  countenance.  The  hurried  action  was  scarcely 
completed,  when  the  Benedictine  darkened  the  door  with 
Kis  gloomy  robes,  w^iile  Berchthold  and  his  friend  stood 
gazing  over  his  shoulders,  with  lively  curiosity  mingled 
with  surprise. 

The  form  and  countenance  of  the  anchorite  were  those 
of  middle  age.  His  eye  had  lost  nothing  of  its  quickness 
or  intelligence,  though  his  movements  had  the  delibera- 
tion and  care  that  long  experience  insensibly  interweaves 
in  the  habits  of  those  who  have  not  lived  in  vain.  He  ex- 
pressed neither  concern  nor  wonder  at  the  unexpected 
visits,  but  regarding  his  guests  earnestly,  like  one  who  as- 
sured himself  of  their  identity,  he  mildly  motioned  for  all 
to  enter.  There  was  jealous  suspicion  in  the  glance  of 
the  Benedictine,  as  he  complied  :  for  until  now,  he  had  no 
reason  to  believe  that  the  recluse  was  usurping  so  inti- 
mate and  so  extensive  an  infiuence  over  the  minds  of  the 
young,  as  the  presence  of  the  unknown  female  would  give 
reason  to  believe. 

"  I  knew  that  thou  wert  of  holy  life  and  constant  prav- 
er,  venerable  hermit,"  he  said,  in  a  tone  that  questioned  in 
more  than  one  meaning  of  the  term,  "but  until  this  mo- 
ment, I  had  not  thought  thee  vested  with  the  Church's 
power  to  hearken  to  the  transgressions  of  the  faithful  and 
to  forgive  sins  !  " 

"  The  latter  is  an  office,  brother,  that  of  right  belongs 
only  to  God.  The  head  of  the  Church  himself  is  but  an 
humble  instrument  of  faith,  in  discharging  this  solemn 
trust." 

The  countenance  of  the  monk  did  not  become  more 
amicable  at  this  re{)ly,  nor  did  he  fail  to  cast  a  scrutinizing 
glance  at  the  muffled  form  of  the  stranger,  in  a  fruitless 
endeavor  to  recognize  her  person. 

"Thou  hast  n(jt  even  the  tonsure,"  he  continued,  while 
his  uneasy  eye  rolled  from  that  of  the  recluse  to  the  form 


44  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

of  the  stranger,  who  had  shrunk,  as  far  as  the  narrow  place 
would  permit,  from  observation. 

"Thou  seest,  father,  I  have  all  the  hair  that  time  and 
infirmities  have  left  me.  But  is  it  thought,  in  thy  bene- 
ficed and  warlike  abbey,  that  the  advice  of  one  who  has 
lived  long  enough  to  know  and  to  lament  his  own  errors, 
can  injure  the  less  experienced?  If  unhappily  I  may  have 
deceived  myself,  thou  art  timely  present,  reverend  monk, 
to  repair  the  wrong." 

"  Let  the  maiden  come  to  the  confessional  of  the  Abbey 
Church,  if  distrust  or  apprehension  weigh  upon  her  mind  ; 
doubt  it  not,  she  will  find  great  comfort  in  the  experi- 
ment." 

"As  I  will  testify,  from  many  trials — "  abruptly  inter- 
posed the  cow-herd,  who  advanced  intrusively  between 
the  two  devotees,  in  a  manner  to  occupy  all  their  atten- 
tion. "  '  Go  upon  the  hill,  and  ease  thy  soul,  Gottlob,'  is 
my  good  and  venerable  mother  in  the  practice  of  saying, 
whenever  my  opinion  of  myself  is  getting  to  be  too  hum- 
ble, ^and  discourse  with  some  of  the  godly  fathers  of  the 
Abbey,  whose  wisdom  and  unction  will  not  fail  to  lighten 
thy  heart  of  even  a  heavier  load.  There  is  Father  Ulrich, 
he  is  a  paragon  of  virtue  and  self-denial ;  and  Father  Cuno 
is  even  more  edifying  and  salutary  than  he ;  while  Father 
Siegfried  is  more  balmy  to  a  soul,  than  the  most  reverend 
Abbot,  the  virtuous  and  pious  Father  Bonifacius  himself! 
Whatever  thou  doest,  child,  go  upon  the  hill,  and  enter 
boldly  into  the  cliurch,  like  a  loaded  and  oppressed  sin- 
ner as  thou  art,  and  especially  seek  counsel  and  prayer 
from  the  excellent  and  beloved  father  Siegfried.'  " 

"  And  thou — who  art  thou  ?  "  demanded  the  half-doubt- 
ing monk,  "that  thus  speakest  of  me,  in  terms  that  I  so 
little  merit,  to  my  face  ?" 

"  I  would  I  were  Lord  Emich  of  Hartenburg,  or  for  that 
matter,  the  Elector  Palatine  himself,  in  order  to  do  justice 
to  those  I  honor  ;  in  wdiich  case  certain  Fathers  of  Lim- 
burg  should  have  especial  favor,  and  that  quickly  too, 
after  my  own  flesh  and  blood  !  Who  am  I,  father?  I  won- 
der that  a  face  so  often  seen  at  the  confessional  should  be 
forgotten.  What  there  is  of  me  to  boast  of.  Father  Sieg- 
fried, is  of  thine  own  forming — but  it  is  no  cause  of  sur- 
prise that  thou  dost  not  recall  me  to  mind,  since  the  meek 
and  lowly  of  spirit  arc  sure  to  forget  their  own  good 
works ! " 


THE   IIEIDKXMA  UER. 


45 


"Thou  callcst  thyself  Gottlob — but  the  name  belongs  to 
many  Christians." 

"More  bear  it,  reverend  monk,  than  know  how  to  do  it 
honor.  There  is  Gottlob  Frincke,  as  arrant  a  knave  as 
any  in  Duerckheim  ;  and  Gottlob  Popp  miglit  have  moic 
respect  for  his  baptismal  vow  ;  and  as  to  Lord  Gottlob  of 
Manheim " 

''We  will  overlook  the  transgressions  of  the  remainder 
of  thy  namesakes,  for  the  good  that  thou  thyself  hast 
done,"  interrupted  the  Benedictine,  who,  having  insensibly 
yielded  to  the  unction  of  liattery  in  the  commencement  of 
the  interview,  began  now  to  be  ashamed  of  the  weakness, 
as  the  fluent  cow-herd  poured  forth  his  words  in  a  manner 
to  excite  some  suspicion  of  the  quality  of  praise  that  came 
from  such  a  source,  "  Come  to  me  when  thou  wilt,  son, 
and  such  counsel  as  a  weak  head,  but  a  sincere  heart,  can 
render,  shall  not  be  withheld." 

"How  tills  would  lighten  the  heart  of  my  old  mother  to 
hear  !     '  Gottlob,'  would  she  say " 

"  What  has  become  of  thy  companion,  and  of  the  maid- 
en?" hastily  demanded  the  Benedictine. 

As  the  part  of  the  cow-herd  was  successfully  performed, 
he  stood  aside,  with  an  air  of  well-acted  simplicity  and 
amazement,  leaving  the  discourse  to  be  pursued  between 
the  recluse  and  the  monk. 

"  Thy  guests  have  suddenly  left  us,"  continued  the  latter, 
after  satisfying  himself,  by  actual  observation,  that  no  one 
remained  in  the  hut  but  himself,  its  regular  occupant,  and 
the  honey-tongued  Gottlob  ;  "  and,  as  it  would  seem,  in 
companv  !  " 

"They  are  gone  as  they  came,  voluntarily  and  without 
question." 

"  Thou  knowcst  them,  by  frequent  visits,  holy  hermit  ?" 

*'  Fatlier,  I  question  none  :  were  the  Elector  Friedricli 
to  come  into  my  abode,  lie  would  be  welcome,  and  tliis 
cow-herd  is  not  less  so.  To  both,  at  parting,  I  merely  say, 
*  God  speed  ye  ! '  " 

"Thou  keepest  the  cattle  of  tlie  burghers,  Gottlob  ?" 

"  I  keep  a  herd,  reverend  priest,  such  as  my  masters 
please  to  trust  to  my  care." 

"We  have  grave  cause  of  complaint  against  one  of  thv 
fellows  wlio  serves  the  Count  of  Ilartenburg,  and  who  is 
in  the  daily  habit  of  trespassing  on  the  pastures  of  the 
church.     Dost  know  the  hind  ?  " 


46  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

"  Potz  Tausend  !  If  all  the  knaves  who  do  these  wrongs, 
when  out  of  sight  of  their  masters,  were  set  in  a  row  be- 
fore the  eyes  of  the  most  reverend  Abbot  of  Limburg,  he 
would  scarce  know  whether  to  begin  with  prayers  or 
stripes,  and  they  say  he  is  a  potent  priest  at  need,  with 
both  !  I  sometimes  tremble  for  my  own  conduct,  though 
no  one  can  have  a  better  opinion  of  himself  than  I,  poor 
and  lowly  as  I  stand  in  your  reverend  presence  ;  for  a  hard 
fortune,  and  some  oversight  in  the  management  of  my 
father's  affairs,  have  brought  me  to  the  need  of  living 
among  such  associates.  Were  I  not  of  approved  honesty, 
there  might  be  more  beasts  on  the  Abbey  lands  ;  and  "they 
who  now  pass  their  time  in  fasting  in  sheer  humility,  might 
come  to  the  practice  of  sheer  necessity." 

The  Benedictine  examined  the  meek  countenance  of 
Gottlob  with  a  keen  distrustful  eye  ;  he  next  invited  the 
hermit  to  bestow  his  blessing,  and  tlien  motioning  for  the 
hind  to  retire,  he  entered  on  the  real  object  of  his  visit  to 
the  hermitage. 

We  shall  merely  say,  at  this  point  of  the  narrative,  that 
the  moment  was  extremely  critical  to  all  who  dwelt  in  the 
Palatinate  of  the  Rhine.  The  Elector  had,  perhaps  impru- 
dently for  a  prince  of  his  limited  resources,  taken  an  active 
part  in  the  vindictive  warfare  then  raging,  and  serious  re- 
verses threatened  to  endanger  not  only  his  tranquillity  but 
his  throne.  It  was  a  consequence  of  the  feudal  system, 
which  then  so  generally  prevailed  in  Europe,  that  internal 
disorders  succeeded  any  manifest,  though  it  might  be  only 
a  temporary  derangement  of  the  power  of  the  potentate 
that  held  the  right  of  sovereignty  over  the  infinite  number 
of  petty  rulers  who,  at  that  period,  weighed  particularly 
heavy  on  Germany.  To  them  he  was  the  law,  for  they 
were  not  apt  to  acknowledge  any  supremacy  that  did  not 
come  supported  by  the  strong  hand.  The  ascending  scale 
of  rulers,  including  baron,  count,  landgrave,  margrave, 
duke,  elector,  and  king,  up  to  the  ncmiinal  head  of  the 
state,  the  emperor  himself,  with  the  complicated  and  varied 
interests,  embracing  allegiance  within  allegiance,  and  duty 
upon  duty,  was  likely  in  itself  to  lead  to  dissension,  had 
the  Imperial  Crown  been  one  of  far  more  defined  and  posi- 
tive influence  than  it  was.  But,  uncertain  and  indirect  in 
the  application  of  its  means,  it  was  rare  that  any  very  seri- 
ous obstacle  to  tranquillity  was  removed  without  the  em- 
ployment of  positive  force.     No  sooner  was  the  Emperor 


THE  HEIDENMAUER,  47 

involved  in  a  serious  struggle,  than  the  great  princes  en- 
deavored to  recover  that  balance  which  had  been  lost  by 
the  long  ascendency  of  a  particular  family,  while  the 
minor  princes  seldom  saw  themselves  surrounded  with  ex- 
ternal embarrassment,  that  internal  discord  did  not  come 
to  increase  the  evil.  As  a  vassal  was  commonly  but  a  rude 
reflection  of  his  lord's  enmities  and  prejudices,  the  reader 
will  have  inferred  from  the  language  of  the  cow-herd,  that 
affairs  were  not  on  the  most  amicable  footing  between 
those  near  neighbors,  the  Abbot  of  Limburg  and  the  Count 
of  Hartenburg.  The  circumstance  of  their  existing  so  near 
each  otiier  was,  of  itself,  almost  a  certain  cause  of  rivalry  ; 
to  which  natural  motive  of  contention  may  be  added  the 
unremitted  strife  between  the  influence  of  superstition  and 
the  dread  of  the  sword. 

The  visit  of  the  monk  had  reference  to  certain  interests 
connected  with  the  actual  state  of  things,  as  they  existed 
between  the  Abbey  and  the  Castle.  As  it  would  be 
premature,  however,  to  expose  his  object,  we  shall  be  con- 
tent with  saving,  that  the  conference  between  the  priest 
and  the  hermit  lasted  for  half  an  hour,  when  the  former 
took  his  leave,  craving  a  blessing  from  one  of  a  life  so  pure 
and  self-denying  as  his  host. 

At  the  door  of  the  hut  the  monk  found  Gottlob,  who 
had  early  been  gotten  rid  of,  it  will  be  remembered,  but 
who,  for  reasons  of  his  own,  had  seen  fit  to  await  the  ter- 
mination of  the  conference. 

''Thou  here,  son  ! "  exclaimed  the  Benedictine.  "  I  had 
thought  thee  at  peace  in  thy  bed,  favored  with  the  bene- 
diction of  a  hermit  so  holy  !  " 

"  Good  f(;rtune  is  sure  to  drive  sleep  from  my  eyes, 
father,"  returned  Gottlob,  dropping  in  by  the  side  of  the 
monk,  wlio  was  walking  through  the  cedars  towards  the  an- 
cient gateway  of  tlic  camp.  "  I  am  not  of  your  animal 
kind,  that  is  no  sooner-  filled  with  a  good  thing  than  it 
lies  down  to  rest  ;  but  the  happier  1  become,  the  more  I 
desire  to  be  up  t(j  enjoy  it." 

"Thy  wish  is  natural,  and,  although  many  natural  de- 
sires are  to  be  resisted,  I  do  not  see  the  danger  uf  our 
knowing  our  own  happiness." 

"Of  the  danger  I  will  sav  nothing,  father,  but  of  the 
comfort,  there  is  not  a  youth  in  Duerckheini,  wlio  can 
speak  with  greater  certainty  than  myself." 

"  Gottlob,"  said  the  Benedictine,  insensibly  edging  near- 


4S  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

er  his  companion,  like  one  willing  to  communicate  con- 
fidentially, "vsince  thou  namest  Duerckheim,  canst  say- 
aught  of  the  humor  of  its  people,  in  this  matter  of  conten- 
tion between  our  holy  Abbot  and  Lord  Emich  of  Harten- 
burg  ? " 

"  Were  I  to  tell  thy  reverence  the  truth  that  lies  deepest 
in  my  mind,  it  would  be  to  say,  that  the  burghers  wish  to 
see  the  affair  brought  to  an  end,  in  such  a  way  as  to  leave 
no  doubt,  herea,fter,  to  which  party  they  most  owe  obedi- 
ence and  love,  since  they  find  it  a  little  hard  upon  their 
zeal,  to  have  so  large  demands  of  these  services  made  by 
both  parties." 

"Thou  canst  not  serve  God  and  Mammon,  son,  so  sayeth 
one  who  could  not  deceive.'* 

"And  so  sayeth  reason,  too,  worshipful  monk,  but  to 
give  thee  at  once  my  inmost  soul,  I  believe  there  is  not  a 
man  in  our  Duerckheim,  who  believes  himself  strong 
enough  in  learning  to  say,  in  this  strife  of  duties,  which  is 
God  and  which  is  Mammon  !" 

"How!  do  they  call  in  question  our  sacred  mission — 
our  divine  embassy— in  short,  our  being  what  we  are  ?" 

"  No  man  is  so  bold  as  to  say  that  tlie  monks  of  Lim- 
burg  are  wliat  they  are  ;  that  might  be  irreverent  to  the 
Church,  and  indecent  to  Father  Siegfried  ;  and  the  most 
we  dare  to  say  is,  that  they  seem  to  be  what  they  are  ;  and 
that  is  no  small  matter,  considering  the  way  things  go  in 
this  world.  '  Seem  to  be,  Gottlob,'  said  my  poor  father, 
'and  thou  wilt  escape  envy  and  enemies  ;  for  in  this  seem- 
liness  there  is  nothing  so  alarming  to  others  ;  it  is  only 
when  one  is  really  the  thing  itself,  that  men  begin  to  find 
fault.  If  thou  wishcst  to  live  peaceably  with  thy  neigh- 
bors, push  nothing  beyond  seeming  to  be,  for  that  m.uch 
all  will  bear,  since  all  can  seem ;  whereas  being  oftentimes 
sets  a  whole  village  in  an  uproar.  It  is  wonderful  the 
virtue  there  is  in  seeming,  and  the  heart-burnings  and 
scandal,  ay,  and  the  downright  quarrels  there  are  in  being 
just  what  one  seems.'  No,  the  most  we  say,  in  Duerck- 
heim, is  that  the  monks  of  Limburg  seem  to  be  men  of 
God." 

"And  Lord  Emich?" 

"As  to  Count  Emich,  father,  we  hold  it  wise  to  re- 
member he  is  a  great  noble.  The  Elector  has  not  a  bold- 
er knight,  nor  the  Emperor  a  truer  vassal ;  we  say,  there- 
fore, that  he  seems  to  be  brave  and  loyal." 


THE   IIEIDENMA  UER. 


49 


"  Thou  makcst  great  account,  son,  of  these  apparent 
quaHties." 

'*  Knowing  the  frailty  of  man,  father,  and  the  great  like- 
lihood of  error,  when  we  wish  to  judge  of  acts  and  rea- 
sons, that  lie  deeper  tlian  our  knowledge,  we  hold  it  to  be 
the  most  prudent.  No,  let  us  of  Duerckheim  alone,  as 
men  of  caution  !  " 

"  For  a  cow-herd,  thou  wantest  not  wit — Canst  read?" 

"  By  God's  favor.  Providence  put  that  little  accident  in 
my  way  when  a  child,  reverend  monk,  and  I  picked  it  up, 
as  I  might  swallow  a  sweet  morsel." 

" 'Tis  a  gift  more  likely  to  injure  than  to  serve  one  of 
thy  calling.     The  art  can  do  little  benefit  to  thy  herd  !  " 

"  I  will  not  take  upon  myself  to  sav,  that  any  of  the  cat- 
tle are  much  the  better  fcjr  it  ;  though,  to  deal  fairly  by 
tliee,  reverend  Benedictine,  there  are  animals  among  them 
that  seem  to  be." 

"How!  wilt  thou  attempt  to  show  a  fact  not  only  im- 
probable but  impossible  ?  Go  to,  tliou  hast  fallen  upon 
some  silly  work  of  a  jester.  There  have  been  numberless 
of  these  commissions  of  the  devil  poured  forth,  since  the 
discover)^  of  that  imprudent  brother  of  Mainz.  I  would 
ghidly  hear  in  what  manner  a  beast  can  profit  by  the  art  of 
printing  ! " 

"  Thy  patience,  Father  Siegfried,  and  thou  shalt  know. 
Now  here  is  a  hind  that  can  read,  and  there  is  one  that 
cannot.  We  will  suppose  them  botl)  the  servants  of  Emich 
of  Ilartcnburg.  Well,  they  go  forth  of  a  morning  with 
their  herds  ;  this  taking  the  path  to  tlie  hills  of  the  Count, 
and  that,  having  read  the  description  of  the  boundaries 
between  his  Lord's  land  and  that  of  the  holy  Abbot  of 
Limburg,  taking  another,  because  learning  will  not  will- 
ingly follow  ignorance ;  whereupon  the  reader  reaciies  a 
nearer  and  better  pasture  than  he  who  hath  gone  about 
to  feed  upon  ground  that  has  only  been  trodden  upon  too 
often  before,  by  hoof  of  benst  and  foot  of  man." 

"Thy  learning  hath  not  done  much  towards  clcaringthy 
head,  G(Jttlob,  wiiatever  it  may  have  done  for  the  condi- 
tion of  thy  lierd  !  " 

"  If  your  worship  has  an^'  doubts  of  my  being  what  I 
say,  here  is  proof  of  its  justice,  then  —  I  know  nothing  that 
so  crams  a  man  and  confuses  him  as  learning!  He  who 
has  but  one  horn  can  take  it  and  go  his  way  ;  whereas  he 
that  hath  many,  may  lose  his  herd  while  choosing  between 

4 


50  THE   IIEIDENMAUER. 

instruments  that  are  better  or  worse.  He  that  hath  but 
one  sword,  will  draw  it  and  slay  his  enemy  ;  but  he  tliat 
hath  much  armor,  may  lose  his  life  while  putting  on  his 
buckler  or  head-piece." 

"  I  had  not  thought  thee  so  skilful  in  answers.  And  thou 
thinkest  the  good  people  of  Duerckheim  will  stand  neuter 
between  the  Abbey  and  the  Count  ? " 

"  Father,  if  tliou  wilt  show  me  by  which  side  they  will 
be  the  greatest  gainers,  I  think  I  might  venture  to  say, 
with  some  certainty,  on  which  side  they  will  be  likely  to 
draw  the  sword.  Our  burghers  are  prudent  towmsmen,  as 
I  have  said,  and  it  is  not  often  that  they  are  found  fighting 
against  their  own  interests." 

"  Thou  shouldst  know,  son,  that  he  who  is  most  favored 
in  this  life,  may  find  the  balances  of  justice  weighing 
against  him  in  the  next  ;  while  he  who  suffers  in  the 
flesh,  will  be  most  likely  to  find  its  advantage  in  the 
spirit." 

"  Himmel !  In  that  case,  reverend  Benedictine,  the 
most  holy  Abbot  of  Limburg  liimself  may  fare  worse  here- 
after than  even  a  hind  who  now  lives  like  a  dog!"  ex- 
claimed Gottlob,  with  an  air  of  admiration  and  simplicity 
that  completely  misled  his  listener.  "  The  one  is  said  to 
comfort  the  body  in  various  ways,  and  to  know  the  dif- 
ference between  acup  of  pure  Rhenish  and  adraughtof  the 
washy  liquors  that  come  from  the  other  side  of  our  moun- 
tains ;  while  the  other,  wdiether  it  be  of  necessity  or  in- 
clination I  will  not  take  upon  myself  to  say,  drinks  only 
of  the  spring.  'Tis  a  million  of  pities  that  one  never 
knoweth  which  to  choose,  present  ease  with  future  pain, 
or  a  starving  body  v/ith  a  happy  soul !  Believe  me.  Father 
Siegfried,  were  thy  reverence  to  think  more  of  these  trials 
that  befall  us  ignorant  youths,  thou  wouldst  not  deal  so 
heavily  with  the  penances,  as  thine  own  severe  virtue 
often  tempts  thee  to  do." 

"What  is  tiuis  done  is  done  for  thy  health,  future  and 
present.  By  chastening  the  spirit  in  this  manner,  it  is  grad- 
ually prepared  for  its  final  purification,  and  thou  art  not  a 
loser  in  the  eyes  of  thy  fellows,  by  leading  a  chaste  life. 
Thou  wilt  have  justice  at  the  settlement  of  the  great  ac- 
count." 

"  Nay,  I  am  no  greedy  creditor,  to  dun  Providence  for 
my  dues.  I  very  well  know  that  what  will  come  cannot 
be  prevented,  and  therefore  I  take  patience  to  be  a  virtue. 


THE   IIEIDENMAUER.  51 

But  I  hope  tlicse  accounts,  of  which  you  tell  us  so  often, 
are  kept  with  sufficient  respect  for  a  poor  man  ;  for,  to 
deal  fairly  with  thee,  father,  we  have  not  overmuch  favor 
in  settUnir  those  of  the  world." 

o 

"  Thou  hast  credit  for  all  thy  good  deeds  with  thy  fel- 
lows, Gottlob." 

"  I  wish  it  were  true  !  To  me  it  seems  that  the  world 
is  ready  enough  to  charge,  while  it  is  as  niggardly  as  a 
miser  in  giving  credit — I  never  did  an  evil  act — and  as  we 
arc  all  mortal  and  frail,  most  holy  monk,  th^se  accidents 
will  befall  even  your  saint  or  a  Benedictine — that  the  deed 
itself  and  all  its  consequences  were  n(jt  set  down  against 
me,  in  letters  that  a  short-sighted  man  might  read  ;  wiiile 
most  of  my  merits — and  considering  I  am  but  a  cow-herd 
they  are  of  respectable  quality — seem  to  be  forgotten. 
Now  your  Abbot,  or  his  Highness  the  Elector,  or  even 
Count  Emich " 

"The  Summer  Landgrave!"  interrupted  the  monk, 
hiughing. 

"Summer  or  winter,  as  thou  wilt.  Father  Siegfried,  he  is 
Count  of  Hartenburg,  and  a  noble  of  Leiningen.  Even  he 
does  no  deed  of  charity,  or  even  of  simple  justice,  that  all 
men  do  not  seize  upon  the  occasion  to  proclaim  it,  as  ea- 
gerly as  they  endeavor  to  upbraid  me  for  the  accidental  loss 
of  a  beast,  or  any  other  little  backsliding,  that  may  befall 
one,  who  being  bold  under  thy  holy  instruction,  some- 
times stumbles  against  a  sin." 

"  Thou  art  a  casuist,  and,  at  another  time,  I  must  look 
more  closely  into  the  temper  of  thy  mind.  At  present, 
thou  mayst  purchase  favor  of  the  Church  by  enlisting  a 
little  more  closely  in  her  interests.  I  remember  thy  clev- 
erness and  thy  wit,  Gottlob,  for  both  have  been  remarked 
in  thy  visits  to  the  convent  ;  but,  until  this  moment,  there 
has  not  been  sufficient  reason  to  use  the  latter  in  the  man- 
ner that  we  may  fairly  claim  to  do,  considering  our  fre- 
quent prayers,  and  the  other  consolations  afforded  in  thy 
behnlf." 

''''\)(y  not  l)e  too  particular,  Father  vSiegfried,  for  thy 
W(jrds  reveal  grievous  penance  !" 

"  Which  may  be  much  mitigated  in  future,  if  not  en- 
tirely avoided,  by  a  service  that  1  would  now  propose  to 
thee,  honest  (xottlob,  and  which  1  will  venture  to  say,  from 
my  knowledge  of  thy  reverence  for  holv  tilings,  as  is  man- 
ifest in  thy  attentions  to  the  pious  hermit,  and  thy  love  for 


52  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

the  Abbey  of  Limburg,  thou  wouldst  not  refuse  to  under-, 
take." 

"  So  !  " 

"  Nay,  I  have  as  good  as  pledged  myself  to  Father  Boni- 
facius  to  procure  either  thee,  or  one  shrewd  and  faithful  as 
thee,  to  do  a  trusty  service  for  the  brotherhood." 

"  The  latter  might  not  be  easy  among  the  cow-herds !  " 

"  Of  that  I  am  sure.  Thy  skill  in  the  management  of 
the  beasts  may  yet  gain  thee  the  office  of  tending  the  am- 
ple herds  of  the  abbey.  Thou  art  already  believed  fit  for 
the  charge." 

"  Not  to  deny  my  own  merits,  sagacious  father,  I  have 
already  some  knowledge  of  the  pastures." 

"  And  of  the  beasts,  too,  Gottlob  ;  we  keep  good  note 
of  the  characters  of  all  who  come  to  our  confessionals. 
There  are  worse  than  thine  among  them,  I  do  assure  thee." 

"And  yet  have  I  never  told  thee  half  that  I  might  say  of 
myself,  father  !  " 

"  It  is  not  important  now.  Thou  knowest  the  state  of 
the  contest  between  Count  Emich  and  our  Abbey.  The 
service  that  I  ask  of  thee,  son,  is  this  ;  and  by  discliarging 
it,  with  thy  wonted  readiness,  believe  me  thou  wilt  gain 
favor  with  St.  Benedict  and  his  children.  We  have  had  reason 
to  know,  that  there  is  a  strong  band  of  armed  men  in  the 
castle,  ready  and  anxious  to  assail  our  wails,  under  a  vain 
belief  that  they  contain  riches  and  stores  to  repay  the  sac- 
rilege ;  but  we  want  precise  knowledge  of  their  numbers 
and  intentions.  Were  we  to  send  one  of  known  pursuits 
on  tliis  errand,  the  Count  would  find  means  to  mislead 
him  ;  whereas,  we  think  a  hind  of  thy  intelligence  might 
purchase  the  Church's  kindness  without  suspicion." 

"  Were  Count  Emich  to  get  wind  of  the  matter,  he  would 
not  leave  me  an  ear  with  which  to  listen  to  thy  holy  ad- 
monitions." 

"  Keep  thine  own  counsel,  and  he  will  not  suspect  one  of 
thy  appearance.     Hast  no  pretext  for  A'isiting  the  castle  ?" 

"  Nay,  it  would  be  easy  to  make  a  thousand.  Here,  I 
might  say,  I  wished  to  ask  the  cow-herd  of  Lord  Emich 
for  his  cunning  in  curing  diseased  hoofs,  or  I  might  pre- 
tend a  wish  to  change  my  service,  or,  there  is  no  want  of 
laughing  damsels  in  and  about  the  hold." 

"  Enough  :  thou  art  he,  Gottlob,  for  whom  I  have  sought 
daily  for  a  fortnight.  Go  thy  way,  then,  without  fail,  and 
seek  me  after  to-morrow's  mass,  in  the  Abbey." 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  53 

"  It  may  be  enough  on  the  side  of  Heaven,  father,  but 
men  of  our  prudence  must  not  forget  their  mortal  state. 
Am  I  to  risk  my  ears,  do  discredit  to  my  simplicity,  and 
neglect  my  herd,  without  a  motive  ?" 

"  Thou  wilt  serve  the  Church,  son  ;  get  favor  in  the  eyes 
of  our  reverend  Abbot,  and  thy  courage  and  dexterity  will 
be  remembered  in  future  indulgences." 

*'That  I  shall  serve  the  Church  it  is  well  known  to  me, 
reverend  Benedictine,  and  it  is  a  privilege  of  which  a  cow- 
herd hath  reason  to  be  proud  ;  but,  by  serving  the  Churcli, 
I  shall  make  enemies  on  earth,  for  two  sufficient  reasons: 
first,  that  the  Church  is  in  no  great  esteem  in  this  valley  ; 
and  second,  because  men  never  love  a  friend  for  being  any 
better  than  themselves.  '  No,  Gottlob,'  used  my  excellent 
father  to  say,  'seem  to  all  around  thee  conscious  of  thy 
unworthiness,  after  which  thou  mayst  be  what  thou  seem- 
cst.  On  this  condition  only  can  virtue  live  at  peace  with 
its  fellow-creatures.  But  if  thou  wouldst  have  the  respect 
of  mankind,'  would  he  say,  '  set  a  fair  price  on  all  thou 
doest,  for  the  world  will  not  give  thee  credit  for  disinter- 
estedness ;  and  if  thou  workest  for  naught,  it  will  think 
thou  deservest  naught.  No,'  did  he  shake  his  head  and 
add,  '  that  which  cometh  easy  is  little  valued,  while  that 
which  is  costly,  do  men  set  a  price  upon.' " 

"  Thy  father  was,  like  thyself,  one  that  looked  to  his  ease. 
Thou  knowest  that  we  inhabitants  of  cells  do  not  carry  silver." 

"  Nay,  righteous  Benedictine,  if  it  were  a  tritle  of  gold, 
I  am  not  one  to  break  a  bargain  for  so  small  a  difference." 

"  Thou  shalt  have  gold,  then.  On  the  faith  of  my  holy 
calling,  I  will  give  thee  an  image  of  the  Emperor  in  gold, 
shouldst  thou  succeed  in  bringing  tlie  tidings  we  require." 

Gottlob  stopped  short,  and  kneeling,  he  reverently  asked 
the  monk  to  bless  him.  The  latter  complied,  half  doubt- 
ing the  discretion  of  emphjying  such  an  emissary,  between 
wh(jse  cunning  and  simplicity  he  was  completely  at  fault. 
Still,  as  he  risked  nothing,  except  in  tlie  nature  of  tlie  in- 
formation he  was  to  receive,  he  saw  no  sufficient  reason  for 
recalling  the  commission  he  had  just  bestowed.  He  gave 
the  desired  benediction,  therefore  ;  and  our  two  conspir- 
ators descended  the  mountain  in  conij^any,  discoursing,  as 
tliey  went,  of  the  business  on  which  the  cow-herd  was  about 
to  proceed.  When  so  near  the  road  as  to  be  in  danger  of 
observation,  they  separated,  each  taking  the  direction  nc« 
cessary  to  his  object. 


54  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

*'  And  not  a  matron,  sitting  at  her  wheel, 
But  could  repeat  their  story. — "  Rogers. 

The  female,  enveloped  in  her  mantle,  had  so  well  profi- 
ted by  the  timely  interposition  of  Gottlob  Frincke,  as  to 
quit  the  hermit's  hut  without  attracting  the  notice  of  the 
Benedictine.  But  the  vigilance  of  young  Berchthold  had 
not  been  so  easily  eluded.  He  stepped  aside  as  she  glided 
through  the  door,  then  stooping  merely  to  catch  the  eye 
of  the  cow-herd,  to  whom  he  communicated  his  intention 
by  a  sign,  he  followed.  Had  the  forester  felt  any  doubts 
as  to  the  identity  of  her  he  pursued,  the  light  and  active 
movement  would  have  convinced  him  that  age,  at  least, 
had  no  agency  in  inducing  her  to  conceal  her  features. 
The  roe-buck  of  his  own  forests  scarce  bounded  with  more 
agility  than  the  fugitive  fled,  on  first  quitting  the  abode  of 
the  recluse  ;  nor  did  her  speed  sensibly  lessen,  until  she 
had  crossed  most  of  the  melancholy  camp,  and  reached  a 
spot  where  the  opening  of  the  blue  and  star-lit  void  showed 
that  she  was  at  the  verge  of  the  wood,  and  near  the 
margin  of  the  summit  of  the  mountain.  Here  she  paused, 
and  stood  leaning  against  a  cedar,  like  one  whose  strength 
was  exhausted. 

Berchthold  had  followed  swiftly,  but  without  losing  that 
appearance  of  calmness  and  of  superior  physical  force 
which  gives  dignity  to  the  steps  of  young  manhood,  as 
compared  with  the  timid  but  more  attractive  movements 
of  the  feebler  sex.  He  seemed  consciotis  of  his  greater 
powers,  and  unwilling  to  increase  a  flight  that  was  already 
swifter  than  circumstances  required,  and  whicli  he  knew 
to  be  far  more  owing  to  a  vague  and  instinctive  alarm, 
than  to  any  real  cause  for  apprehension.  When  the  speed 
of  the  female  ceased,  his  own  relaxed,  and  he  approached 
the  spot  where  she  stood  panting  for  breath,  like  a  cautious 
boy,  who  slackens  his  haste  in  order  not  to  give  new  alarm 
to  the  bird  that  has  just  alighted. 

*'  What  is  there  so  fearful  in  my  face, Meta, that  thou  fleest 
my  presence,  as  I  had  been  the  spirit  of  one  of  those 
Pagans  that  they  say  once  peopled  this  camp  ?  It  is  not 
thy  wont  to  have  this  dread  of  a  youth  thou   hast  known 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  55 

from  childhood,  and  I  will  say,  in  my  own  defence,  known 
as  honest  and  true!  " 

''It  is  not  seemly  in  a  maiden  of  my  years — it  was  fool- 
lish,  if  not  disobedient,  to  be  here  at  this  hour,"  answered 
the  hurried  girl  ;— "  I  would  I  had  not  listened  to  the  desire 
of  hearing  more  of  the  holy  hermit's  wisdom  !  " 

"Thou  art  not  alone,  Meta!  " 

"That  were  unbecoming,  truly,  in  my  father's  child!" 
returned  the  young  damsel,  with  an  expression  of  pride  of 
condition,  as  she  glanced  an  eye  toward  the  fallen  wall, 
among  whose  stones  Berchthold  saw  the  well-known  form 
of  a  female  servitor  of  his  companion's  family.  "  Had  I 
carried  imprudence  to  this  pass,  Master  Berchthold,  thou" 
wouldst  have  reason  to  believe,  in  sooth,  that  it  was  the 
daugliter  of  some  peasant,  that  by  chance  iiad  crossed  thy 
footstep." 

"  There  is  little  danger  of  that  error,"  answered  Bercht- 
hold quickly.  "I  know  thee  well;  thou  art  Meta,  the 
only  child  (/f  Heinrich  Frey,  the  Burgomaster  of  Duerck- 
hcim.  None  know  thy  quality  and  hopes  better  than  I,  for 
none  have  heard  them  oftener  !  " 

The  damsel  dropped  her  head  in  a  movement  of  natural 
regret  and  sudden  repentance,  and  when  her  blue  eye, 
softened  by  a  ray  of  the  moon,  met  the  gaze  of  the  forester, 
he  saw  that  better  feelings  were  uppermost. 

"  I  did  not  wish  to  recount  my  father's  honors,  nor  any 
accidental  advantage  of  my  situation,  and,  least  of  all,  to 
tliee,"  answered  the  maiden,  with  eagerness;  "but  I  felt 
concern  lest  thou  shouldst  imagine  I  had  forgotten  the 
modesty  of  my  sex  and  condition — or,  I  had  fear  that  thou 
mightest — thy  manner  is  much  changed  of  late,  Bercht- 
hold !" 

"  It  is  then  without  my  knowledge  or  intention.  But  we 
will  forget  the  past,  and  thou  wilt  tell  me,  what  wonder 
hath  brought  thee  to  this  suspected  and  dreaded  moor,  at 
an  hour  so  unusual  ?" 

Meta  smiled,  and  the  expression  of  her  countenance 
proved,  that  if  she  li.ad  moments  of  uncharitable  weakness, 
they  were  mcjre  the  offspring  (jf  the  world's  opinions,  than 
of  her  own  frank  and  generous  nature. 

"  I  might  retort  the  question  on  tiiee,  Berchthold,  and 
]")lead  a  woman's  curiosity  as  a  rcascjn  why  I  should  be 
(piickly  answered — Wliy  art  thou  here,  at  an  hour  when 
most  young  hunters  sleep  ?  " 


56  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

''  I  am  Lord  Emich's  forester  ;  but  thou,  as  there  has 
just  been  question,  art  a  daughter  of  the  Burgomaster  of 
Duerckheim." 

''  I  give  thee  credit  for  all  the  difference.  Did  my  mother 
know  that  I  was  thus  about  to  furnish  a  reason  for  my  con- 
duct, she  would  say,  '  Keep  thy  explanations,  Meta,  for 
those  who  have  a  right  to  demand  them  ! '  " 

"  And  Heinrich  Frey  ?  " 

"  He  would  be  little  likely  to  approve  of  either  visit  or 
explanation." 

"  Thy  father  loves  me  not,  Meta  ?  " 

*'  He  does  not  so  much  disapprove  of  thee,  Master 
Berchthold,  as  that  thou  art  only  Lord  Emich's  forester. 
Wert  thou  as  thine  own  parent  was,  a  substantial  burgher 
of  our  town,  he  might  esteem  thee  much.  But  thou  hast 
great  favor  with  my  dear  mother  !  " 

"  Heaven  bless  her,  that  in  her  own  prosperity  she  hath 
not  forgotten  those  who  have  fallen  !  I  think  that,  in  thy 
heart  as  in  thy  looks,  Meta,  thou  more  resemblest  thy 
mother  than  thy  father." 

"  I  would  have  it  so.  When  I  speak  to  thee  of  my  being 
the  child  of  Heinrich  Frey,  it  is  witliout  thought  of  any 
present  difference  between  us,  I  do  affirm  to  thee,  Bercht- 
hold, but  rather  as  showing  that  in  not  forgetting  my 
station,  I  am  not  likely  to  do  it  discredit.  Nay,  I  know  not 
that  a  forester's  is  a  dishonorable  office  !  They  who  serve 
the  Elector  in  this  manner  are  noble." 

"  And  they  who  serve  nobles,  simple.  I  am  but  a  menial, 
Meta,  though  it  be  in  a  way  to  do  little  mortification  to  my 
pride." 

''And  what  is  Count  Emich  but  a  vassal  of  the  Elector, 
who,  in  turn,  is  a  subject  of  the  Emperor  !  Thou  shalt  not 
dishonor  thyself  in  this  manner,  Berchthold,  and  no  one 
say  aught  to  vindicate  thee." 

''  Thanks,  dearest  Meta.  Thou  art  tlie  child  of  my 
mother's  oldest  and  closest  friend,  and  whatever  the  world 
may  proclaim  of  the  difference  that  now  exists  between  us, 
thy  excellent  heart  whispers  to  the  contrary.  Thou  art 
not  only  the  fairest,  but,  in  truth,  the  kindest  and  gentlest 
damsel  of  thy  town  !  " 

The  daughter,  only  child,  and  consequently  tlie  heiress 
of  the  wealthiest  burgher  of  Duerckheim,  did  not  hear  this 
opinion  of  Lord  Emich's  handsome  forester  without  great 
secret  gratification. 


THE   HEIDEyATAUER.  57 

"And  now  thou  shalt  know  the  reason  of  tliis  imusinil 
visit,"  said  Meta,  wlien  the  silent  pleasure  excited  by  the 
last  speech  of  young  Berchthold  had  a  little  subsided  ; 
*'  f(jr  this  have  I,  in  some  measure,  promised  to  thee  ;  and 
it  would  little  justify  thy  good  opinion  to  forget  a  pledge. 
Thou  knowcst  the  holy  hermit,  and  the  sudden  manner  of 
his  appearance  in  the  Hcidcnmaucr  ?  " 

**None  are  ignorant  of  the  latter,  and  thou  hast  already 
seen  that  I  visit  him  in  his  hut." 

"  I  shall  not  pretend  to  give,  or  to  seek,  the  reason,  but 
sure  it  is,  that  he  had  not  been  a  week  in  the  old  Roman 
abode,  when  he  sought  occasion  to  show  me  greater  notice 
than  to  any  other  maiden  of  Duerckheim,  or  than  any 
merit  of  mine  might  claim." 

"  How !  is  the  knave  but  a  pretender  to  this  sanctitv, 
after  all !  " 

"  Thou  canst  not  be  jealous  of  a  man  of  his  years  ;  and, 
judging  by  his  worn  countenance  and  hollow  eyes,  years 
too  of  mortification  and  suffering!  lie  truly  is  of  a 
character  to  give  a  youth  of  thy  age,  and  gentle  air,  and 
active  frame,  and  comely  appearance,  uneasiness  !  But  I 
see  the  color  in  thy  cheek.  Master  Berchthold,  and  will  not 
offend  thee  with  comparisons  that  are  so  much  to  thy  dis- 
advantage. Be  the  motive  of  the  holy  hermit  what  it  will, 
on  the  two  occasions  when  he  visited  our  town,  and  in  the 
visits  that  we  maidens  have  often  made  to  his  cell,  he  hath 
shown  kind  interest  in  my  welfare  and  future  hopes,  both 
as  they  are  connected  with  this  life,  and  with  that  to  whicii 
we  all  liasten,  although  it  be  with  steps  that  are  not  heard 
even  by  our  own  ears." 

"  It  does  not  surprise  me,  that  all  who  see  and  know 
thee,  Meta,  should  act  thus.  And  yet  I  find  it  very 
strange !" 

"Nay,"  said  the  amused  girl,  "now  thou  justificst  the 
exact  words  of  old  Use,  who  hath  often  said  to  me,  '  Take 
heed,  Meta,  and  put  not  thy  faith  too  easily  in  the  lan- 
guage of  the  yoinig  tcnvnsmen  ;  for,  by  looking  closely  into 
tlieir  meaning,  thou  wilt  see  that  they  contradict  them- 
selves. Youtii  is  so  eager  to  obtain  its  end,  tiiat  it  stops 
not  to  separate  the  true  from  the  plausible.'  These  are 
her  very  words,  and  oft  repeated  too,  which  thou  has  just 
verified — I  believe  the  crone  fairly  sleepeth  on  that  pile  of 
the  fallen  wall  !" 

"  Disturb  her  not.     One  of  her  years  hath  great  need  of 


58  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

rest  ;  nav,  it  would  be  thoughtless  to  rob  her  of  this  little 
pleasure  !  " 

Meta  had  made  a  step  in  advance,  seemingly  with  intent 
to  arouse  her  attendant,  when  the  hurried  words  and  rapid 
action  of  the  youth  caused  her  to  hesitate.  Receding  to 
her  former  attitude,  beneath  the  shadow  of  the  cedar,  she 
more  considerately  resumed — 

"  It  would  be  ungracious,  in  sooth,  to  awaken  one  who 
hath  so  lately  toiled  up  this  weary  hill." 

"  And  she  so  aged,  Meta  !  " 

*'  And  one  that  did  so  much  for  my  infancy  !  I  ought 
to  go  back  to  my  father's  house,  but  my  kind  mother  will 
overlook  the  delay,  for  she  loveth  Use  little  less  than  one 
of  her  own  blood." 

"  Thy  mother  knoweth  of  this  visit  to  the  hermit's  hut, 
then  ? " 

"  Dost  think,  Master  Berchthold,  that  a  Burgomaster  of 
Duerckheim's  only  child  would  go  forth,  at  this  hour, 
without  permission  had  ?  There  would  be  great  unseem- 
liness in  such  secret  gossiping,  and  a  levity  that  would 
better  suit  thy  damsels  of  Count  Emich's  village  ;  they 
say  indeed,  in  our  town,  that  the  castle  damsels  are  none 
too  nice  in  their  manner  of  life." 

''They  belie  us  of  the  mountain  strangely,  in  the  towns 
of  the  plain  !  I  swear  to  thee,  there  is  not  greater  modesty 
in  thy  Duerckheim  palace  than  among  our  females, 
whether  of  the  village  or  of  the  castle." 

"  It  may  be  true  in  the  main,  and,  for  the  credit  of  my 
sex,  I  hope  it  is  so  ;  but  thou  wilt  scarce  find  courage, 
Berchthold,  to  say  aught  in  favor  of  her  they  call  Gisela, 
the  warder's  child  ?  More  vanity  have  I  never  seen  in 
female  form  ! " 

"  They  think  her  fair,  in  Hartenburg." 

"  'Tis  that  opinion  which  spoileth  the  creature's  manner  ! 
Thou  art  much  in  her  society.  Master  Berchthold,  and  I 
doubt  not  that  use  causeth  thee  to  overlook  some  qualities 
that  are  not  concealed  from  strangers.  *  Do  but  regard 
that  Haunting  bird  from  the  pass  of  the  Jacgerthal,'  said 
the  excellent  old  Use,  one  morn  that  we  had  a  festival  in 
our  venerable  church,  to  which  the  country  round  came 
forth  in  their  best  array;  'one  would  imagine  from  its 
fluttering,  and  the  movements  of  its  feathers,  that  it  fan- 
cied the  eye  of  every  young  hunter  was  on  its  plumage, 
and  that  it  dreaded  the  bolt  of  the  archer  unexpectedly  ! 


THE   HF.IDE.yMAUF.R.  59 

And  yet  have  I  known  animals  of  this  breed  that  did  not 
so  greatly  fear  tiie  fowler's  hand,  if  truth  were  said  ! '  " 

"Thou  judgest  Gisela  harshly;  for  though  of  some 
lightness  of  speech,  and  haply  not  without  admiration  of 
her  own  beauty,  the  girl  is  far  from  being  uncompaniona- 
ble, or,  at  times,  of  agreeable  discourse." 

"Nay,  I  do  but  repeat  the  w^ords  of  Use,  Master  Bercht- 
hold  ! '' 

"  Thy  Use  is  old,  and  garrulous,  and  is  like  to  utter  fool- 
ishness." 

"  This  mav  be  so — but  let  it  be  foolish,  if  thou  wilt — • 
the  foUv  of  my  nurse  is  my  folly.  I  have  gained  so  much 
from  her  discourse,  that  I  fear  it  is  now  too  late  to  amend. 
To  deal  fairly  with  thee,  she  did  not  utter  a  syllable  con- 
cerning thy  warder's  daughter  that  f  do  not  believe." 

Berchthold  was  but  little  practised  in  the  ways  of  the 
human  heart.  Free  in  the  expression  of  his  own  senti- 
ments as  the  air  he  breathed  on  his  native  hills,  and  entire- 
Iv  without  thought  of  guilt,  as  respects  the  feeling  which 
bound  him  to  Meta,  he  had  never  descended  into  the 
arcana  of  that  passion  of  which  he  was  so  completely  the 
subject,  without  indeed  knowing  even  the  extent  of  his 
own  bondage.  He  viewed  this  little  ebullition  of  jealousy, 
therefore,  as  a  generous  nature  regards  all  injustice,  and 
he  entered  only  the  more  warmly  into  the  defence  of  the 
injured  party.  One  of  those  sieve-like  hearts  that  have 
been  perforated  a  hundred  times  by  the  shots  that  Cupid 
fires,  right  and  left,  in  a  capital,  would  probably  have  had 
recourse  to  the  same  expedient,  merely  to  observe  to  what 
extent  he  could  trille  with  the  feelings  of  a  being  he  pro- 
fessed to  love. 

Europeans,  wlio  are  little  addicted  to  looking  into  the 
eye  of  their  cis-Atlantic  kinsman  in  search  of  the  mote, 
say,  that  the  master  passion  of  life  is  but  a  sluggish  emotion 
in  the  Americaii  bosom.  That  those  who  are  chiefly  em- 
])loyed  in  the  affairs  of  this  world  should  be  content  with 
the  natural  course  of  the  affections,  as  tiicy  arise  in  the 
honest  relations  of  the  domestic  circle,  is  quite  as  proba- 
ble, as  it  is  true  that  they  who  feed  their  passions  by  vani- 
ty and  variety,  are  mistaken  when  they  think  that  casual 
and  fickle  sensations  compose  any  of  tlu.'  true  ingredients 
of  that  purifying  and  elevated  sentiment,  which,  by  invest- 
ing the  admired  object  witii  all  that  is  estimable,  leads  us 
to  endeavor  to  be   worthy  of  the   homage   we   insensibly 


6o  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

pay  to  virtue.  In  Berchthold  and  Mcta,  the  reader  is  to 
look  for  none  of  that  constitutional  fervor,  which  some- 
times substitutes  impulse  for  a  deeper  feeling,  or  for  any 
of  that  factitious  cultivation  of  the  theory  of  love,  that  so 
often  tempts  the  neophyte  to  mistake  his  own  hallucina- 
tions for  the  more  natural  attachment  of  sympathy  and 
reason.  For  the  former  they  lived  too  far  north,  and  for 
the  latter  it  might  possibly  be  said,  that  fortune  had  cast 
their  lot  a  little  too  far  south.  That  subtle  and  nearly  in- 
definable sympathy  between  the  sexes,  which  we  call  love, 
to  which  all  are  subject,  since  its  principle  is  in  nature 
itself,  exists  perhaps  in  its  purest  and  least  conventional 
form  precisely  in  the  bosoms  of  those  whom  Providence 
has  placed  in  the  middle  state,  between  extreme  cultiva- 
tion and  ignorance  ;  between  the  fastidious  and  sickly  per- 
version of  over-indulgence,  and  the  selfishness  that  is  the 
fruit  of  constant  appeals  to  exertion  ;  or  the  very  condition 
of  the  two  young  persons  that  have  been  placed  before 
the  reader  in  this  chapter.  Enough  has  been  seen  to  show 
that  Bercluhold,  though  exercising  a  menial  office,  had  re- 
ceived opinions  superior  to  his  situation ;  a  circumstance 
that  is  sufficiently  explained  by  the  allusions  already  made 
to  the  decayed  fortunes  of  his  parents.  His  language  and 
manner,  therefore,  as  he  generously  vindicated  Gisela,  the 
daughter  of  the  person  charged  to  watch  the  approaches 
of  Lord  Emich's  castle,  w^as  perhaps  superior  to  what  would 
have  been  expected  in  a  mere  forester. 

"  I  shall  not  take  upon  myself  the  office  of  pointing  out 
the  faults  of  our  castle  beauty,  if  faults  she  hath,"  he  said  ; 
"  but  this  much  may  I  say  in  her  defence,  without  fear  of 
exceeding  truth  ;  her  father  is  grown  gray  imder  the  livery 
of  Leiningen,  and  there  is  not  a  child  in  the  world  that 
showeth  more  reverence  or  affection  to  him  who  gave  her 
being,  than  this  same  bird  of  thine,  with  its  flaunting 
plumes,  and  the  coquetry  with  the  archer's  bolt  !  " 

"  'Tis  said,  a  dutiful  daughter  will  ever  make  an  excel- 
lent and  an  obedient  wife." 

*'The  luckier  then  will  he  be  who  weds  old  Friedrich's 
child.  I  have  known  her  keep  the  gates,  deep  into  the 
night,  that  her  father  might  take  his  rest,  when  the  nobles 
have  frequented  the  forest  later  than  common  ;  aye,  and  to 
watch  weary  hours,  when  most  of  her  years  and  sex  would 
find  excuses  for  being  on  their  pillows.  Now  this  have  I 
often  seen,  going  forth,  as  thou  may'st  be  certain  by  my 


THE   IIEIDENMAUER.  6i 

ofllcc,  in  Count  Eniich's  company,  in  most  of  his  hunts. 
Nay,  Gisela  is  fair,  none  will  deny  ;  and  it  may  be  that, 
among  her  otiier  qualities,  the  girl  knows  it." 

*'  She  appeareth  not  to  be  the  only  one  of  thy  Har- 
tenburg  pile  that  is  aware  of  the  fact.  Master  Bercht- 
hold  !  " 

"  Dost  thou  mean,  Meta,  the  revelling  abbe,  from  Paris, 
or  the  sw^orn  soldier-monk  of  Rhodes,  that  now  abide  in 
the  castle  ?"  asked  the  young  forester,  with  a  simplicity 
that  would  have  set  the  heart  of  a  coquette  at  ease,  by  its 
perfect  nature  and  openness.  "Now  thou  touchest  on 
the  matter,  I  will  own,  though  one  of  my  office  should  be 
wary  of  opinions  on  those  his  master  loves,  but  I  know  thy 
prudence,  Meta — Therefore  will  I  say,  that  I  have  half  sus- 
pected these  two  ill-assorted  servants  of  the  church,  of 
thinking  more  of  the  poor  girl  thari  is  seemlv." 

"  Thy  poor  Gisela  hath  cause  to  hang  herself.  Truly, 
were  wassailers,  like  these  thou  namcst,  to  regard  me  with 
but  a  free  look,  the  Burgomaster  of  Duerckheim  should 
know  of  their  boldness  !  " 

"  ]\Icta,  they  would  not  dare  !  Poor  Gisela  is  not  the 
ofTspring  of  a  stout  citizen,  but  the  warder  of  Hartenburg's 
child,  and  there  may  be  some  difference  in  thy  natures,  too 
— nay,  there  is  ;  for  thou  art  not  one  of  those  that  seek 
the  admiration  of  each  cavalier  that  passeth,  but  a  maiden 
that  knoweth  her  worth,  and  the  meed  tlint  is  her  due. 
That  thou  hast,  in  something,  wronged  our  beauty  of  the 
hold,  I  needs  must  say  ;  but  to  compare  thee  with  her, 
cither  in  the  excellence  of  tlie  body  or  that  of  the  mind,  is 
what  could  never  be  done  justly.  If  she  is  fair,  thou  art 
fairer  ;    if  she  is  witty,  thou  art  wise  !  " 

"Nay,  do  not  mistake  me,  Berchthcjld,  bv  tliinking  thnt 
I  have  uttered  aught  against  thy  warder's  daughter  that  is 
harsh  and  unseemly.  I  know  the  girl's  cleverness,  and 
moreover  I  am  willing  to  acknowledge,  tliat  one  cruelly 
placed  by  fortune  in  a  condition  of  servitude,  like  her's, 
may  find  it  no  easy  matter  to  be  always  what  one  of  her 
sex  and  years  could  wish.  I  daie  \\)  sav,  that  Gisela,  did 
fortune  and  opportunity  permit,  would  do  no  discredit  to 
her  breeding  and  looks,  both  of  wiiich,  sooth  to  say,  are 
somewhat  above  lier  condition." 

"And  thou  saidst,  thy  nuHher  knew  of  this  visit  to  the 
hermit  ?  " 

"And  said  truth.     My  mother  has  never  made  objection 


62  THE  HEIDENxMAUER. 

to  any  reverence  paid  by  her  daughter  to  the  Church  or 
to  its  servants." 

*'  Tliat  hath  she  not ! — Thou  art  amongst  the  most  fre- 
quent of  those  who  resort  to  the  Abbey  in  quest  of  holy 
offices  thyself,  Meta  !  " 

''  Am  I  not  a  Christian  ?  Wouldst  have  a  well-respected 
maiden  forget  her  duties  ?  " 

"  I  say  not  that  ;  but  there  is  discourse  amongst  us  hunt- 
ers, that  of  late  the  prior  hath  much  preferred  his  ycjung 
nephew,  Brother  Hugo,  to  the  duty  (;f  quieting  the  con- 
sciences of  the  penitents.  It  were  better  that  some  father, 
whose  tonsure  liatli  a  ring  of  gray,  were  put  into  the  con- 
fessional, in  a  church  so  much  frequented  by  the  young 
and  fair  of  Duerckheim." 

"  Thou  wouldst  do  well  to  write  of  this  to  the  Bisliop  of 
Worms,  or  to  our  holy  Abbot,  in  thine  own  scholarly  hand. 
Thou  hast  the  clerkly  gifts,  Master  Berchthold,  and  might 
persuade  !  " 

"  I  would  that  the  little  I  have  done  in  tins  way  had  not 
so  failed  of  its  design.  Thou  hast  had  frequent  proofs  of 
its  sincerity,  if  not  of  its  skill,  Meta." 

"  Well,  this  is  idle,  and  leads  me  to  forget  the  hermit  : 
My  mother — I  know  not  why — and  now  thou  makest  me 
think  of  it,  I  ilud  it  different  from  her  common  rule  ;  but 
it  is  certain  that  she  in  nowise  discourages  these  visits  to 
the  Heidenmauer.  We  are  very  young,  Berchthold,  and 
may  not  yet  understand  all  that  enters  into  older  and  wiser 
heads !  " 

'^  It  is  strange  that  the  holy  man  should  seek  just  us  !  If 
he  most  urges  his  advice  on  you  among  the  damsels  of  the 
town,  lie  most  gives  his  counsel  to  me  among  the  youths 
of  the  Jaegerthal  !  " 

There  was  a  charm  in  this  idea  which  held  these  two 
young  and  unpractised  minds  in  sweet  thraldom  for  many 
fleeting  minutes.  They  conversed  of  the  unexplained 
sympathy  between  the  man  of  God  and  themselves,  long 
and  with  undiminishing  interest  in  the  subject,  for  it 
seemed  to  both  tliat  it  contained  a  tie  to  imite  them  still 
closer  to  each  other.  Whatever  philosopliy  and  experience 
may  pretend  on  such  subjects,  it  is  certain  that  man  is  dis- 
posed to  be  superstitious  in  respect  to  the  secret  influences 
that  guide  his  fortunes,  in  the  dark  passage  of  the  world. 
Whether  it  be  the  mystery  of  the  unforeseen  future,  or  the 
consciousness  of  how  much  of  even  his  most  prized  sue- 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  63 

cess  is  tlic  result  of  circumstances  that  lie  never  could  or 
did  control,  or  whether  God,  with  a  view  to  liis  own  har- 
monious and  sublime  ends,  has  implanted  tiiis  principle  in 
the  human  breast,  in  order  to  teach  us  dependence  on  a 
superior  power,  it  is  certain  that  few  reach  a  state  of  mind 
so  calculating  and  reasoning  as  not  to  trust  some  portion 
of  thatAvhich  is  to  come,  to  the  chances  of  Fortune,  or  to 
Providence  ;  for  so  we  term  the  directing  power,  as  the 
mind  clings  to  or  rejects  the  immediate  agency  of  the 
Deity,  in  the  conduct  of  the  subordinate  concerns  of  life. 
In  the  age  of  which  we  write,  intelligence  had  not  made 
sufficient  progress  to  elevate  ordinary  minds  above  the 
arts  of  necromancy.  Men  no  longer  openly  consulted  the 
entrails  of  brutes,  in  order  to  learn  the  will  of  fate,  but 
they  often  submitted  to  a  dictation  scarcely  less  beastly, 
and  few  indeed  were  they  who  were  able  to  separate  piety 
from  superstition,  or  the  grand  dispensations  of  Providence 
from  the  insignificant  interests  of  sellishness.  It  is  not 
surprising,  therefore,  that  Berchthold  and  Meta  sliould 
cling  to  the  singular  interest  that  the  hermit  manifested  in 
them  respectively,  as  an  omen  propitious  to  their  common 
hopes  ;  common,  for  though  the  maiden  had  not  so  far 
relinquished  the  reserve  she  still  deemed  essential  to  her 
sex,  as  to  acknowledge  all  slie  felt,  that  subtle  instinct 
which  unites  the  young  and  innocent  left  little  doubt  in 
the  mind  of  either,  of  the  actual  state  of  the  other's  in- 
clinations. 

Old  Use  had  consequently  ample  time  to  rest  her  frame, 
after  the  painful  toil  of  the  ascent  between  the  town  and 
the  camp.  When  Meta  at  length  approached  to  arouse 
her,  the  garrulous  woman  broke  out  in  exclamations  (jf 
surprise  at  tlie  shortness  of  the  interview  witli  tlie  hermit, 
for  the  soundness  of  her  slumbers  left  her  in  utter  igno- 
rance of  the  appearance  and  disappearance  of  Berchthold. 

"  It  is  but  a  moment,  Meta,  dear,"  she  said,  *'  since  we 
came  up  the  hill,  and  I  fear  thou  hast  not  given  sufficient 
heed  to  the  wise  words  of  the  holy  man.  We  shcjuld  not 
reject  a  wholesome  draught  because  it  proves  bitter  to  the 
mouth,  child,  but  swalhjw  all  to  the  last  dn^p,  when  we 
think  there  is  healing  in  the  cu}).  Didst  deal  fairly  by  tlie 
hermit,  and  tell  him  honestly  of  thy  evil  nature  ?" 

**  Thou  forgettest,  Use,  the  heimit  has  not  even  the  ton- 
sure, and  cannot  shrive  and  pardon." 

"Nay,  nay — 1   know   nut   tliat !     A   hermit    is   a   man  of 


64  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

God  ;  and  a  man  of  God  is  holy  ;  and  any  Christian  may, 
aye,  and  should  pardon  ;  and  as  to  shriving,  give  me  a  self- 
denying  recluse,  who  passes  his  time  in  prayer,  mortifying 
soul  and  body,  before  any  monk  of  Limburg,  say  I  ! 
There  is  more  virtue  in  one  blessing  from  such  a  man, 
than  in  a  dozen  from  a  carousing  Abbot — I  know  not  but 
I  might  say  fifty." 

''  But  I  liad  his  blessing,  nurse." 

"Well,  that  is  comforting,  and  we  have  not  wearied  our 
limbs  for  naught ;  but  thou  shouldst  have  told  him  of  thy 
wish  to  wx\ir  the  laced  bodice,  at  the  last  mass,  in  order 
that  thy  equals  might  envy  thy  beauty.  It  would  have 
been  wholesome  to  have   acknowledged  that  sin,  at  least." 

"But  he  questioned  me  not  of  my  sins.  All  his  dis- 
course was  of  my  father's  house,  and  of  my  good  motlier, 
and— and  of  other  matters." 

"Thou  shouldst  then  have  edged  the  bodice  in  among 
the  other  matters.  Have  I  not  always  forewarned  thee, 
Meta,  of  the  danger  of  pride,  and  of  stirring  envy  in  the 
bosom  of  a  companion?  There  is  naught  more  uncom- 
fortable than  envy,  as  I  know  by  experience.  Oh  !  I  am 
no  longer  young  ;  and  come  to  me  if  thou  wouldst  wish 
to  know  what  envy  is,  or  any  other  dangerous  vice,  and  I 
warrant  thee  thou  shalt  hear  it  well  explained  !  Aye,  thou 
wert  very -wrong  not  to  have  spoken  of  the  bodice  ! " 

"  Had  it  been  fit  to  confess,  I  might  have  found  more 
serious  sins  to  own  than  any  that  belong  to  dress." 

"  I  know  not  that  !  Dress  is  a  great  beguiler  of  the 
young  heart,  and  of  the  handsome  face.  If  thou  hast 
beauty  in  thy  house,  break  thy  mirrors  that  the  young 
should  not  know  it,  is  what  I  have  heard  a  thousand  times  ; 
and  as  thou  art  both  young  and  fair,  I  will  repeat  it, 
though  all  Duerckheim  gainsay  my  words,  thou  art  in  dan- 
ger if  thou  knowest  it.  No,  hadst  thou  told  the  hermit  of 
that  bodice,  it  might  have  done  much  good.  What  mat- 
ters it  to  such  a  man,  whether  he  hath  the  tonsure  or  not  ? 
He  hath  prayers,  and  fastings,  and  midnight  thought,  and 
great  bodily  suffering,  and  these  are  surely  worth  as  much 
hair  as  hath  ever  fallen  from  all  the  monks  in  the  Palatin- 
ate. I  would  that  thou  hadst  told  him  of  that  bodice, 
child  ! " 

"Since  thou  so  wishest  it,  at  our  next  meeting  it  shall 
be  said,  dear  Use  ;  so  set  thy  heart  at  peace." 

"  Tliis  will  give  thy  dear  mother  great   pleasure;  else, 


THE   I/E/DF..VMAUER.  65 

why  should  she  consent  that  a  daughter  of  her's  should 
visit  a  heathenish  camp,  at  so  late  an  hour?  I  warrant 
thee  that  she  thought  of  the  bodice  ! " 

"  Do  cease  speaking  of  the  garment,  nurse  ;  my  thoughts 
are  bent  on  something  else." 

"  Well,  if  indeed  thou  thinkest  of  something  else,  it  may- 
be amiss  to  sav  more  at  present,  though.  Heaven  it  knows  ! 
thou  hast  great  occasion  to  recall  that  vain-glorious  mass 
to  thy  mind.  How  suddenly  thy  communion  with  the  her- 
mit ended  to-night,  Meta  !  " 

"We  have  not  been  long  on  the  mountain,  truly,  Use. 
But  we  must  hasten  back,  lest  my  mother  should  be  un- 
easy." 

"And  why  should  she  be  so  ?  Am  I  not  with  thee  ?  Is 
age  nothing,  and  experience,  and  prudence,  and  an  old 
head,  aye,  and,  for  that  matter,  an  old  body,  too,  and  a  good 
memory,  and  such  eyes  as  no  other  in  Duerckheim  of  my 
years  hath — I  say  of  my  years,  for  thou  hast  better  ;  and 
thy  dear  mother's  are  little  worse  than  thine — but  of  my 
years,  few  have  their  equal.  At  thy  age,  girl,  I  was  not 
the  old  Use,  but  the  lively  Use,  and  the  active,  and,  God 
forgive  me  if  there  be  vain-glory  in  the  words  !  but  truth 
should  always  be  spoken — the  handsome  Use,  and  this  too 
without  aid  from  any  such  bodice  as  that  of  thine." 

"  Wilt  never  forget  the  bodice!  here,  lean  on  me,  nurse, 
or  thy  foot  may  fail  thee  in  the  steep  descent." 

Here  they  began  to  descend,  and  as  they  were  now  at  a 
point  of  the  path  where  much  caution  was  necessary,  the 
conversation  in  a  great  measure  ceased. 

He  who  visits  iJiicrckheim  now,  will  find  sufficient  re- 
maining evidence  to  show  that  the  town  formerly  extend- 
ed more  towards  the  base  of  the  mountain  than  its  present 
site  would  prove.  There  arc  the  ruins  of  walls  and  towers 
among  the  vineyards  that  ornament  the  foot  of  the  hill, 
and  tradition  speaks  of  furtificaticnis  that  have  long  since 
disafjpeared,  rendered  useless  by  those  improvements  in 
warfare  that  have;  robbcxl  so  many  other  strong  places  of 
their  importance.  Tlirn,  every  group  of  houses  on  an 
eminence  was  more  or  k:ss  a  place  of  defence  ;  but  the  use 
of  gunpowder  and  artillery  centuries  ago  rendered  all  these 
targets  useless,  and  he  who  would  now  seek  a  citadel,  is 
most  sure  to  find  it  buried  in  some  plain  or  morass.  The 
world  has  reached  another  crisis  in  im])r(n'ement,  for  the 
introduction  of  steam  is  likely  to  alter  all   its  systems  of 

5 


66  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

offence  and  defence  both  by  land  and  sea  ;  but,  be  the  fut- 
ure as  it  may,  the  skill  of  the  engineer  had  not  so  far 
ripened  at  the  period  of  our  tale  as  to  prevent  Meta  and 
her  attendant  from  entering  within  walls  of  ancient  con- 
struction, clumsily  adapted  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  the 
imperfect  state  of  the  existing  art.  As  the  hour  was  early, 
they  had  no  difficulty  in  reaching  the  Burgomaster's  door 
without  attracting  remark. 


CHAPTER  V. 


"What  news?" 
"None,  my  lord  ;  but  that  the  world  is  grown  honest." 
"  Then  is  doomsday  near  ! " — I/amlei. 

Within  the  whole  of  these  widely  extended  states,  there 
is  scarcely  a  single  vestige  of  the  manner  of  life  led  by 
those  who  first  settled  in  the  wilderness.  Little  else  is 
found  to  arrest  the  eye  of  the  antiquary  in  the  shape  of  a 
ruin,  except  the  walls  of  some  fortreos  or  the  mounds  of  an 
intrenchment  of  the  war  of  independence.  We  have,  it  is 
true,  some  faint  remains  of  times  still  more  remote  ;  and 
there  are  even  a  few  circumvallations,  or  other  inventions 
of  defence,  that  are  believed  to  have  once  been  occupied 
by  the  red  man  ;  but  in  no  part  of  the  country  did  there 
ever  exist  an  edifice,  of  either  a  public  or  a  private  nature, 
that  bore  any  material  resemblance  to  a  feudal  castle.  In 
order,  therefore,  that  the  reader  shall  have  as  clear  a  pict- 
ure as  our  feeble  powers  can  draw,  of  the  hold  occupied 
by  the  sturdy  baron  who  is  destined  to  act  a  conspicuous 
part  in  the  remainder  of  this  legend,  it  has  become  neces- 
sary to  enter  at  some  length  into  a  description  of  the  sur- 
rounding localities,  and  of  the  building  itself.  We  say  of 
the  reader,  for  we  profess  to  write  only  for  the  amusement 
— fortunate  shall  we  be  if  instruction  may  be  added — of  our 
own  countrymen :  should  others  be  pleased  to  read  these 
crude  pages,  we  shall  be  flattered  and  of  course  grateful ; 
but  with  this  distinct  avowal  of  our  object  in  holding  the 
pen,  we  trust  they  will  read  with  the  necessary  amount  of 
indulgence. 

And  here  we  shall  take  occasion  to  hold  one  moment's 
communion  with  that  portion  of  the  reading  public  of  all 


THE   HEIDENMAURR.  67 

nations,  that,  as  respects  a  writer,  composes  what  is  termed 
the  world.  Let  it  not  be  said  c"  ns,  because  we  make 
frequent  reference  to  opinions  and  circumstances  as  they 
exist  in  our  native  land,  that  we  arc  profoundly  ignorant  of 
the  existence  of  all  others.  We  make  these  references, 
crime  though  it  be  in  hostile  eyes,  because  they  best  an- 
swer our  end  in  writing  at  all,  because  they  allude  to  a 
state  of  society  most  familiar  to  our  own  minds,  and  be- 
cause we  believe  that  great  use  has  hitherto  been  made  of 
the  same  things,  to  foster  ignorance  and  prejudice.  Should 
we  unheedingly  betray  the  foible  of  national  vanity— that 
foul  and  peculiar  blot  of  American  character!  we  solicit 
forgiveness  ;  urging,  in  our  own  justification,  the  aptitude 
of  a  young  country  for  falling  insensibly  into  the  vein  of 
imitation,  and  praying  the  critical  observer  to  overlook 
any  blunders  in  this  way,  if  perchance  we  should  not  mani- 
fest that  felicity  of  execution  which  is  the  fruit  only  of 
great  practice.  Hitherto  we  believe  that  our  modesty 
cannot  justly  be  impeached.  As  yet  we  have  left  the 
cardinal  virtues  to  mankind  in  the  gross,  never,  to  our 
knowledge,  having  w^ritten  of  "  American  courage,  '*  or 
"American  honesty,"  nor  yet  of  "American  beauty,"  nor 
haply  of  "American  manliness,"  nor  even  of  "American 
strength  of  arm,"  as  qualities  abstracted  and  not  common 
to  our  fellow-creatures  ;  but  have  been  content,  in  the  un- 
sophisticated language  of  tliis  western  clime,  to  call  virtue, 
virtue — and  vice,  vice.  In  this  we  well  know  how  much 
we  have  fallen  short  of  numberless  but  nameless  classical 
writers  of  our  time,  though  we  do  not  think  Ave  are  greatly 
losers  by  the  forbearance,  because  we  have  sufficient  proof 
that  when  we  wish  to  make  our  pages  unpleasant  to  the 
foreigner,  we  can  effect  that  object  by  much  less  imposing 
allusions  to  national  merits  ;  since  we  have  good  reason  to 
believe,  there  exists  a  certain  querulous  class  of  readers 
who  consider  even  the  most  delicate  and  reserved  com- 
mendations of  this  western  world  as  so  much  praise  un- 
reasonably and  dishonestly  abstracted  from  themselves. 
As  for  that  knot  in  our  own  fair  country  who  aim  at  suc- 
cess by  flattering  the  stranger,  and  who  hope  to  shine  in 
their  own  little  (jrbits  by  means  of  borrowed  light,  we 
commit  them  to  the  correction  of  a  reproof  wliich  is  cer- 
tain t(j  come,  and, in  tlnir  cases,  to  come  embittered  by  the 
consci(jusncss  of  its  being  tncritod  by  a  servility  as  degrad- 
ing as  it    is    unnatural.      As   they  dive    deeper    into    the 


68  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

secrets  of  the  human  heart,  they  will  learn  there  is  a 
healthful  feeling  that  '-;annot  be  repulsed  with  impunity, 
and  that  as  none  are  so  respected  as  they  who  fearlessly 
and  frankly  maintain  their  rights,  so  none  are  so  contemned 
as  those  who  ignobly  desert  them. 

During  the  time  tiiat  Berchthold  was  holding  converse 
with  Meta,  on  the  mountain  of  the  Heidenmauer,  Emich 
of  Leiningen  was  at  rest  in  his  castle  of  Hartenburg.  It 
has  already  been  said,  that  the  hold  was  of  massive  ma- 
sonry, the  principal  material  being  the  reddish  sand-stone, 
that  is  so  abundantly  found  in  nearly  the  whole  region  of 
the  ancient  Palatinate.  The  building  had  grown  with 
time,  and  that  which  had  originally  been  a  tower  had 
swelled  into  a  formidable  and  extensive  fortress.  In  the 
ages  which  succeeded  the  empire  of  Charlemagne,  he 
who  could  rear  one  of  these  strong  places,  and  maintain 
it  in  opposition  to  his  neighbors,  became  noble,  and  in 
some  measure  a  sovereign.  He  established  his  will  as  law 
for  the  contiguous  territory,  and  they  who  could  not  enjoy 
their  own  lands,  without  submitting  to  his  pleasure,  were 
content  to  purchase  protection  by  admitting  their  vassal- 
age. No  sooner  was  one  of  these  local  lords  firmly  es- 
tablished in  his  hold,  by  receiving  service  and  homage 
from  their  husbandmen,  than  he  began  to  quarrel  with  his 
nearest  neighbor  of  his  own  condition.  The  victor  neces- 
sarily grew  more  powerful  by  his  conquests,  until,  from 
being  the  master  of  one  castle  and  one  village,  he  became 
in  process  of  time  the  master  of  many.  In  this  manner 
did  minor  barons  swell  into  power  and  sovereignty,  even 
mighty  potentates  tracing  their  genealogical  and  political 
trees  into  roots  of  this  wild  growth.  There  still  stands  on 
an  abrupt  and  narrow  ledge  of  land  in  the  confederation 
of  Switzerland  and  in  the  Canton  of  Argovie,  a  tottering 
ruin,  that,  in  past  ages,  was  occupied  by  a  knight,  who 
from  his  aerie  overlooked  the  adjoining  village,  and  com- 
manded the  services  of  its  handful  of  boors.  This  ruined 
castle  was  called  Hapsbourg,  and  is  celebrated  as  the 
cradle  of  that  powerful  family  which  has  long  sat  upon  the 
throne  of  the  Caesars,  and  which  now  rules  so  much  of 
Germany  and  Upper  Italy.  The  King  of  Prussia  traces 
his  line  to  the  House  of  Hohenzollern,  the  offspring  of 
another  castle  ;  and  numberless  are  the  instances  in  which 
he  who  thus  laid  the  corner-stone  of  a  strong  place,  in  ages 
when  security  was  only  to  be  had  by  good  walls,  also  laid 


THE   nr.lDENMAUER.  69 

the  foundalion  of  a  long  line  of  prosperous  and  puissant 
princes. 

Neither  the  position  of  the  castle  of  Ilartenburg,  how- 
ever, nor  the  period  in  which  it  was  founded,  was  likely  to 
lead  to  results  as  great  as  these  just  named.  As  has  been 
said,  it  commanded  a  pass  important  for  local  purposes, 
but  not  of  so  much  moment  as  to  give  him  who  held  the 
hold  any  material  rights  beyond  its  immediate  influence. 
Still,  as  the  family  of  Leiningen  was  numerous,  and  had 
other  branches  and  other  possessions  in  more  favored  por- 
tions of  Germany,  Coimt  Emich  was  far  from  being  a  mere 
mountain  chief.  The  feudal  system  had  become  method- 
ized long  before  his  birth,  and  the  laws  of  the  Empire  se- 
cured to  him  many  villages  and  towns  on  the  plain,  as  the 
successor  of  those  wdio  had  obtained  them  in  more  remote 
ages.  He  had  recently  claimed  even  a  higher  dignity,  and 
wider  territories,  as  the  heir  of  a  deceased  kinsman  ;  but 
in  this  attempt  to  increase  his  powers,  and  to  elevate  his 
rank,  he  had  been  thwarted  by  a  decision  of  his  peers.  It 
was  to  this  abortive  assumption  of  dignity,  that  he  owed 
the  sobriquet  of  the  Summer  Landgrave  ;  for  such  was  the 
rank  he  had  claimed,  and  the  period  for  which  he  had 
been  permitted  to  bear  it. 

With  this  knowledge  of  the  power  of  their  family,  the 
reader  will  not  be  surprised  to  hear  that  the  castle  of  the 
Counts  of  Hartenburg,  or,  to  be  more  accurate,  of  the 
Counts  of  Hartenburg-Lciningen,  was  on  a  commensurate 
scale.  Perched  on  the  advanced  spur  of  the  mountain, 
just  where  the  valley  was  most  confnied,  and  at  a  point 
where  the  little  river  made  a  short  bend,  tlie  pass  beneath 
lay  quite  at  the  mercy  of  the  arclier  on  its  battlements.  In 
the  fore-ground,  all  that  part  of  the  edifice  which  came 
into  the  view  w^as  military,  and,  in  some  slight  degree,  fitted 
to  the  imperfect  usetiiat  was  then  made  of  artillery  ;  while 
in  the  rear  arose  that  maze  of  courts,  chapels,  towers,  gates, 
p(;rtculliscs,  state-rooms,  offices,  and  family  apartments, 
that  marked  tiie  usages  and  tastes  of  the  day.  The  liamlet 
wliich  lay  in  the  dell,  immediately  beneath  the  walls  of  the 
salient  towers,  or  bastions,  for  they  partcjok  of  both  char- 
acters, was  insignificant,  and  of  little  account  in  estimating 
the  wealth  and  resources  of  the  feudal  h^'d.  These  came 
principally  fnjm  Duerckheim,  and  tlie  fertile  plains  beyond, 
though  the  forest  was  not  without  its  value,  in  a  country 
in  wliich  the  axe  had  so  long  been  used. 


70  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

We  liave  said  that  Emich  of  Leiningen  was  taking  his 
rest  in  the  hold  of  Hartenburg.  Let  the  reader  imagine  a 
massive  building,  in  the  centre  of  the  confused  pile  we 
have  mentioned,  rudely  fashioned  to  meet  the  wants  of  the 
domestic  economy  of  that  age,  and  he  will  get  a  nearer 
view  of  the  interior.  The  walls  were  wainscoted,  and  had 
much  uncouth  and  massive  carving;  the  halls  were  large 
and  gloomy,  loaded  with  armor,  and  at  this  moment  preg- 
nant with  armed  men  ;  the  saloons  of  a  medium  size  which 
suited  a  baronial  state,  and  all  the  appliances  of  that  min- 
gled taste  in  which  comfort  and  luxury,  as  now  understood, 
were  unknown,  but  which  w^as  not  without  a  portion  of  the 
effect  that  is  produced  by  an  exhibition  of  heavy  magnifi- 
cence. Witli  few  but  signal  exceptions,  Germany,  even  at 
this  hour,  is  not  a  country  remarkable  for  the  elegancies  of 
domestic  life.  Its  very  palaces  are  of  simple  decoration, 
its  luxuries  of  a  homebred  and  inartificial  kind,  and  its 
taste  is  rarely  superior,  and  indeed  not  always  equal,  to 
our  own.  There  is  still  a  shade  of  the  Gothic  in  the  habits 
and  opinions  of  this  constant  people,  who  seem  to  cultivate 
the  subtle  refinements  of  the  mind,  in  preference  to  the 
more  obvious  and  material  enjoyments  which  address 
themselves  to  the  senses. 

Quaint  and  complicated  ornaments,  wrought  by  the  pa- 
tient industry  of  a  race  proverbial  for  this  description  of 
ingenuity;  swords,  daggers,  morions,  cuirasses,  and  all  sorts 
of  defensive  armor  then  in  use  ;  such  needle-work,  as  it 
befitted  a  noble  dame  to  produce  ;  pictures  that  possessed 
most  of  the  faults  and  few  of  the  beauties  of  the  Flemish 
school  ;  furniture  that  bore  some  such  relation  to  the  gar- 
niture of  the  palaces  of  electors  and  kings,  as  the  decora- 
tions of  a  village  drawing-room  in  our  own  time,  bear  to 
those  of  the  large  towns  ;  a  profuse  display  of  plate,  on 
which  the  arms  of  Leiningen  wxre  embossed  and  graven  in 
every  variety  of  style,  with  genealogical  trees  and  heraldic 
blazonry  in  colors,  were  the  principal  features. 

Throughout  the  whole  pile,  there  was  little  appear- 
ance, however,  of  the  presence  of  females,  or  even  of  the 
means  of  their  accommodation.  Few  of  that  sex  were  seen 
in  the  corridors,  or  offices,  or  courts  ;  though  men  crowded 
the  place  in  unusual  numbers.  The  latter  were  chiefly 
grim  and  whiskered  warriors,  who  loitered  in  the  halls,  or 
in  the  more  public  parts  of  the  castle,  like  idlers  waiting 
for  the  expected  movement  of  exertion.  None  among  them 


TffE   HEIDENMAUER.  71 

were  armed  at  all  points,  though  this  carelessly  wore  his 
morion,  that  had  buckled  on  a  breast-plate,  and  another 
leaned  listlessly  on  his  arquebuse  or  handled  his  pike. 
Here  a  group  exercised,  in  levity,  with  their  several  weap- 
ons of  offence  ;  there  a  jester  amused  a  crowd  of  sluggish 
listeners,  with  his  ribaldry  and  humor  :  and  numberless 
were  those  who  quaffed  of  the  Rhenish  of  their  lord.  Al- 
though this  continent  had  then  been  discovered,  the  goodly 
portion  whicli  has  since  fallen  to  our  heritage  was  still  in 
the  hands  of  its  native  proprietors  ;  and  the  plant,  so  long 
known  as  the  weed  of  Virginia,  but  which  has  since  be- 
come a  staple  of  so  many  other  countries  in  this  hemi- 
sphere, was  not  in  its  present  general  use  amongst  the 
Germans  ;  else  would  it  have  been  our  duty  to  finish  this 
hasty  sketch,  by  enveloping  it  all  in  mist.  Notwithstand- 
ing the  general  air  of  indifference  and  negligence,  which 
reigned  within  the  walls  of  Hartenburg  without  the  gates, 
in  the  turrets,  and  on  the  advanced  towers,  there  was  the 
appearance  of  more  than  the  customary  watchfulness.  Had 
one  been  there  to  note  the  circumstance,  he  would  have 
seen,  in  addition  to  the  sentries  who  always  guarded  the  ap- 
proaches of  the  castle,  several  swift-footed  spies  on  the 
look-out,  in  the  hamlet,  on  the  rocks  of  the  mountain-side, 
and  along  the  winding  paths  ;  and  as  all  eyes  were  turned 
towards  the  valley  in  the  direction  of  Limburg,  it  was  evi- 
dent that  the  event  they  awaited  was  expected  to  arrive 
from  that  quarter. 

While  such  was  the  condition  of  his  hold  and  of  so  strons: 
a  body  of  his  vassals.  Count  Emich  himself  had  retired 
from  observation,  to  one  of  the  quaint,  half-rude,  half- 
magnificent  saloons  of  the  place.  The  room  was  lighted  by 
twenty  tapers,  and  other  well-known  signs  indicated  the 
near  approach  of  guests.  He  paced  the  large  apartment 
with  a  heavy  and  armed  heel  ;  while  care,  or  at  least  se- 
vere tiiought,  contracted  the  muscles  around  a  hard  and 
iron  brow,  which  bore  evident  marks  of  familiar  acquaint- 
ance with  the  casque.  Perhaps  this  is  the  only  country 
of  Christendom,  even  now,  in  which  the  profession  of  the 
law  is  a  pursuit  still  more  honorable  and  esteemed  than 
that  of  arms — the  best  proof  of  a  high  and  enviable  civili- 
zation— but  at  the  age  of  our  narrative,  the  gentleman  that 
was  not  of  the  Churcli,  the  calling  which  nearly  monopo- 
lized all  the  learning  of  the  times,  was  of  necessity  a  sol- 
dier.    Emich  of  Lciniiigcn  carried  arms  therefore  as  much 


72 


THE  HEIDENMA  UER. 


in  course,  as  the  educated  man  of  this  century  reads  his 
Horace  or  Virgil  ;  and  as  nature  had  given  him  a  vigorous 
frame,  a  hardy  constitution,  and  a  mind  whose  indifference 
to  personal  suffering  amounted  at  times  to  ruthlessness,  he 
was  more  successful  in  his  trade  of  violence,  than  many 
a  pale  and  zealous  student  proves  in  the  cultivation  of 
letters. 

The  musing  Count  scarce  raised  his  looks  from  the  oaken 
floor  he  trod,  as  menial  after  menial  appeared,  moving  with 
light  step  in  the  presence  of  one  so  dreaded  and  yet  so 
singularly  loved.  At  length  a  female,  busy  in  some  of  the 
little  offices  of  her  sex,  glided  before  his  half-unconscious 
sight.  The  youth,  the  bloom,  the  playful  air,  the  neat  coif, 
the  tight  bodice,  and  the  ample  folds  of  the  falling  gar- 
ments, at  length  seemed  to  fill  his  eye  with  the  form  of  his 
companion. 

"  Is  it  thou,  Gisela  ? "  he  said,  speaking  mildly,  as  one 
addresses  a  favored  dependant.  "  How  fareth  it  with  the 
honest  Karl  ? " 

*'  I  thank  my  lord  the  Count,  his  aged  and  wounded 
servant  hath  less  of  pain  than  is  commonly  his  lot.  The 
limb  he  has  lost  in  the  service  of  the  House  of  Leining- 
en " 

"  No  matter  for  the  leg,  girl — thou  art  too  apt  to  dwell 
upon  that  mischance  of  thy  parent." 

"  Were  my  lord  the  Count  to  leave  a  limb  on  the  field,  it 
might  be  missed  w^hen  he  was  hurried  !  " 

"  Thinkest,  thou,  child,  that  my  tongue  would  never  ad- 
dress the  Emperor  without  naming  the  defect  ?  Go  to,  Gise- 
la ;  thou  art  a  calculating  hussy,  and  rarely  permittest  oc- 
casion to  pass  without  allusion  to  this  growing  treasure  of 
thy  family.  Are  my  people  actively  on  the  watch,  with  or 
without  their  limbs  ?  " 

"  They  are  as  their  natures  and  humors  tend.  Blessed 
Saint  Ursula  knows  where  the  officers  of  the  country  have 
picked  up  so  ungainly  a  band,  as  these  that  now  inhabit 
Hartenburg!  One  drinketh,  from  the  time  his  eyes  open 
in  the  morn  until  they  shut  at  even ;  another  sweareth 
worse  than  the  northern  warriors  that  do  these  ravages  in 
the  Palatinate  ;  this  a  foul  dealer  in  ribaldry  :  that  a  glut- 
ton who  never  moveth  lip  but  to  swallow  ;  and  none,  nay, 
not  a  swaggerer  of  them  all,  hath  civil  word  for  a  maiden, 
though  she  be  known  as  one  esteemed  in  their  master's 
household." 


THE   HEIDEXMAUKR.  73 

"  They  are  my  vassals,  girl,  and  stouter  men  at  need  are 
not  mustered  in  Germany." 

'*  Stout  in  speech,  and  insolent  of  look,  my  Lord  Count, 
but  most  odious  company  to  all,  of  modest  demeanor  and 
of  good  intentions,  in  the  hold." 

*'  Thou  hast  been  humored  by  thy  mistress,  girl,  until 
thou  sometimes  forgcttest  discretion.  Go  and  look  my 
guests  are  informed  that  the  hour  of  the  banquet  is  at 
hand  ; — I  await  the  pleasure  of  their  presence." 

Gisela,  whose  natural  pertncss  had  been  somewhat 
heightened  by  an  indulgent  mistress,  and  in  whom  con- 
sciousness of  more  beauty  than  ordinarily  falls  to  the 
share  of  females  of  her  condition  had  produced  freedom 
of  language  that  sometimes  amounted  to  temerity,  be- 
trayed her  discontent  in  a  manner  very  common  to  her 
sex,  when  it  is  undisciplined,  or  little  restrained  by  a 
wholesome  education.  She  pouted,  taking  care  however 
that  Emich's  eye  was  again  turned  to  the  floor,  tossed  her 
head  and  quitted  the  room.  Left  to  himself,  the  Count  re- 
lapsed into  his  reverie.  In  this  manner  did  several  minutes 
pass  unheeded. 

"  Dreaming,  as  usual,  noble  Emich,  of  escalades  and  ex- 
communication !  "  cried  a  gay  voice  at  his  elbow,  the  speaker 
having  entered  the  saloon  imseen — "of  revengeful  priests, 
of  vassalage,  of  shaven  abbots,  the  confessional  and  pen- 
ance dire,  thy  rights  redressed,  the  frowning  conclave,  the 
Abbey  cellar,  thy  morion,  revenge,  and,  to  sum  up  all,  in 
a  word  that  covers  every  deadly  sin,  that  fallen  angel  the 
Devil!" 

Emich  forced  a  grim  smile  at  this  unceremonious  and 
comprehensive  salutation,  accepting  the  offered  hand  of 
him  who  uttered  it,  however,  with  the  frank  freedom  of  a 
boon  companion. 

"  Thou  art  right  welcome,  Albrecht,"  he  replied,  ''  for 
the  moment  is  near  when  my  ghostly  guests  should  arrive  ; 
and  to  deal  fairly  by  thee,  I  never  feel  myself  quite  ecjual 
to  a  single  combat  of  wits  with  the  pious  knaves  ;  but  thy 
support  will  be  enough,  though  the  whole  Abbey  commu- 
nity were  of  the  party." 

"  Aye,  we  are  akin,  we  sons  of  Saint  John  and  these  bas- 
tards of  Saint  Benedict.  Though  more  martial  than  your 
monks  of  the  hill,  we  of  the  island  are  sworn  to  quite  as 
many  virtues.  Let  me  see,"  lie  added,  counting  on  his 
fingers  with  an  air  of  bold  licentiousness  ;  "  firstly  are  wc 


74 


THE   HEIDENMAUER. 


vowed  to  celibacy,  and  your  Benedictine  is  no  less  so — 
then  are  we  self-dedicated  to  chastity,  as  is  your  Limburg 
monk  ;  next  we  respect  our  oaths,  as  does  your  Father 
Bonifacius  ;  then  both  are  servants  of  the  holy  cross  ;"  by 
a  singular  influence  the  speaker  and  the  Count  made  the 
sacred  symbol  on  their  bosoms,  as  the  former  uttered  the 
word,  "and,  doubt  it  not,  I  shall  be  the  equal  of  the  rever- 
end brotherhood.  They  say  sin  can  match  sin,  and  saint 
should  surely  be  saint's  equal !  But,  Emich,  thou  art 
graver  than  becometh  a  hot  carousal,  like  this  we  medi- 
tate !  " 

"  And  thou  gay  as  if  about  to  gallant  the  dames  of 
Rhodes  to  one  of  thy  island  festivals  !  " 

The  Knight  of  Saint  John  regarded  his  attire  with  com- 
placency, strutting  by  the  side  of  his  host,  as  the  latter  re- 
sumed his  walk,  with  the  air  of  a  bird  of  admired  plumage. 
Nor  was -the  remark  of  the  Count  of  Hartenburg  misap- 
plied, since  his  kinsman  and  guest  had,  in  reality,  expend- 
ed more  labor  on  his  toilet  than  was  customary  in  the  ab- 
sence of  females,  and  in  that  rude  liold.  Unlike  the  stern 
and  masculine  Emich,  who  rarely  divested  himself  of  all 
his  warlike  gear,  the  sworn  defender  of  the  Cross  appeared 
entirely  in  a  peaceful  guise,  if  the  long  rapier  that  dangled 
at  his  side,  and  which  to  a  much  later  period  formed  an 
indispensable  accompaniment  of  one  of  gentle  condition, 
could  be  excepted  from  the  implements  of  war.  His  doub- 
let, fully  decorated  with  embroidery,  fringes,  and  loops, 
and  dotted  with  buttons,  was  of  a  pale  orange  stuff,  that 
w^as  puffed  and  distended  about  his  person,  in  the  liberal 
amplitude  of  the  prevailing  fashion.  The  nether  garment, 
which  scarce  appeared,  however,  essential  as  it  might  be, 
was  of  the  same  material,  and  cut  with  a  similar  expendi- 
ture of  cloth.  The  hose  were  pink,  and,  rolling  far  above 
the  knee,  gave  the  effect  of  a  rich  coloring  to  the  whole 
picture.  He  wore  shoes  whose  upper-leather  rose  high 
ao-ainst  the  small  of  the  lesr,  buckles  that  covered  the 
instep,  and  about  the  throat  and  wrists  there  was  a  lavish 
display  of  lace.  The  well-known  Maltese  cross  dangled  by 
a  red  ribbon,  at  a  button-hole  of  the  doublet  ;  not  above 
the  heart,  as  is  the  custom  at  present  among  the  chevaliers 
of  the  other  hemisphere,  but,  by  a  vagary  of  taste,  so  low 
as  to  demonstrate,  if  indeed,  there  is  any  allusion  intended 
by  the  accidental  position  of  these  jewels,  that  the  honora- 
ble badsfe  was  assumed  in  direct  reference  to  that  material 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  75 

portion  of  the  human  frame  which  is  believed  to  be  the 
repository  of  good  cheer ;  an  interpretation  that,  in  the 
case  of  Albrecht  of  Viederbach,  the  knight  in  question, 
was  perhaps  much  nearer  to  the  truth  than  he  wxjuld  have 
been  willing  to  own.  After  poising  himself,  first  on  the 
point  of  .one  shoe,  and  then  on  the  other,  smoothing  his 
ruffles,  shoving  the  rapier  more  aside,  and  otherwise  ad- 
justing his  attire  to  his  mind,  the  professed  soldier  of  Saint 
John  of  Jerusalem  pursued  the  discourse. 

''  I  am  decent,  kinsman,"  he  replied  ;  "  fit  to  be  a  guest 
at  thy  hospitable  board,  if  thou  wilt,  in  the  absence  of  its 
fair  mistress,  but  beyond  that  unworthy  to  be  named.  As 
for  the  dames  of  our  unhappy  and  violated  Rhodes,  dear 
cousin,  thou  knowest  little  of  their  humors,  if  thou  fanciest 
that  this  rude  guise  w^ould  have  any  charm  in  their  refined 
eves.  Our  knights  were  used  to  bring  into  the  island  the 
taste  and  improvements  of  every  distant  land  ;  and  small 
though  it  be,  there  are  few  portions  of  the  earth,  in  which 
the  human  arts,  for  so  I  call  the  decoration  of  the  human 
body,  nourished  more  than  in  our  circumscribed,  valiant, 
and  much-regretted  Rhodes.  Thus  was  it,  at  least,  until 
the  fell  Ottoman  triumphed  !" 

"'Fore  God,  I  had  thought  thee  sworn  to  all  sorts  of 
modesty,  in  speech,  life,  and  other  abstinences  !  " 

"And  art  thou  not  sworn,  most  mutinous  Emich,  to 
obey  thy  liege  lords,  the  Emperor  and  the  Elector — nay, 
for  certain  of  thy  lands  and  privileges,  art  thou  not 
l)ound  to  knight's  service  and  obedience  to  the  holy  Abbot 
of  Limburg  ? " 

**  God's  curse  on  him  and  on  all  the  others  of  that  grasp- 
ing brotherhood  ! " 

"  Aye,  that  is  but  the  natural  consequence  of  thy  oath,  as 
this  doublet  is  of  mine.  If  the  rigid  performance  of  avow 
is  as  agreeable  to  the  body,  as  we  are  taught  it  may  be 
liealthful  to  the  soul,  CoiuU  of  Leiningen,  where  would  be 
the  merit  of  observance?  I  never  i\(^\\  these  graceful  gar- 
ments, but  a  wholesome  remembrance  of  watcliful  nights 
passed  on  the  ramparts,  of  painful  sieges  and  watery 
trenches,  or  of  sicklv  cruises  against  the  Mussulmans,  do 
not  present  themselves  in  the  sliape  of  past  penances.  In 
this  manner  do  we  sweeten  sin,  by  our  bodily  pains,  and  by 
the  memory  of  hours  of  virtuous  hardships  !  " 

"  Hy  tlie  three  sainted  Kings  of  Koeln,  and  the  eleven 
thousand  virgins  of  that   honored   city,   Master  Albrecht ! 


76  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

but  thou  wert  much  favored  in  thy  narrow  island,  if  it 
were  permitted  to  thee  to  sin  in  this  fashion,  with  the  cer- 
tainty of  tempering  punishment  with  so  light  service  ! 
These  griping  monies  of  Limburg  make  much  of  their  fa- 
vors, and  he  who  would  go  with  a  safe  skin,  must  needs 
look  to  an  indulgence  had  and  well  paid  for,  in  advance. 
I  know  not  the  number  of  goodly  casks  of  th*e  purest 
Rhenish  that  little  sallies  of  humor  may  have  cost  me,  first 
and  last,  in  this  manner  of  princely  expenditure  ;  but  cer- 
tain am  I,  that  did  occasion  offer,  the  united  tributes  would 
leave  little  empty  space  in  Prince  Friedrich's  vaunted  Tun, 
in  his  ample  cellars  of  Heidelberg!  " 

''I  have  often  heard  of  that  royal  receptacle  of  generous 
liquor,  and  have  meditated  a  pilgrimage  in  honor  of  its 
capacity.  Does  the  Elector  receive  noble  travellers  with  a 
hospitality  suited  to  his  rank  and  means  ?  " 

"  That  doth  he,  and  right  willingly,  though  this  war 
presses  sorely,  and  giveth  him  other  employment.  Thy 
wayfaring  will  not  be  weary,  for  thou  mayst  see  the  towers 
of  Heidelberg  from  off  these  hills,  and  a  W(jrthy  steed  might 
be  pricked  from  this  court  of  mine  into  that  of  Duke  Fried- 
rich  in  a  couple  of  hours  of  hard  riding." 

"  When  the  merits  of  thy  cellar  are  exhausted,  noble 
Ernich,  it  will  be  in  season  to  put  the  Tun  to  the  proof," 
replied  the  Knight  of  Rhodes,  "  as  our  esteemed  friend 
here,  the  Abbe,  will  maintain,  in  the  face  of  all  the  re- 
formers with  which  our  Germany  is  infested." 

In  introducing  another  character,  we  claim  the  reader's 
patience  for  a  moment  of  digression.  Whatever  may  be 
said  of  the  merits  and  legality  of  the  Reformation,  effected 
chiefly  by  the  courage  of  Luther  (and  we  are  neither  sec- 
tarian nor  unbeliever,  to  deny  the  sacred  origin  of  the 
churcli  from  which  he  dissented,)  it  is  very  generally  ad- 
mitted, that  the  long  and  undisputed  sway  of  the  prevail- 
ing authority  of  that  age,  had  led  to  abuses,  which  called 
loudly  for  some  change  in  its  administration.  Thousands 
of  those  who  had  devoted  their  lives  to  the  administrations 
of  the  altar,  were  quite  as  worthy  of  the  sacred  office  as  it 
falls  to  man's  lot  to  become  ;  but  thousands  had  assumed 
the  tonsure,  the  cowl,  or  the  other  symbols  of  ecclesiastical 
duty,  merely  to  enjoy  the  immunities  and  facilities  the 
character  conferred.  A  long  and  nearly  undisputed  mo- 
nopoly of  letters,  the  influence  obtained  by  the  unnatural 
union  between  secular  and  religious  power,   and  the  de- 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  77 

pendent  condition  of  tlic  public  mind,  the  legitimate  con- 
sequence of  both,  induced  all  who  aspired  to  moral  pre- 
eminence, to  take  tliis,  the  most  certain,  because  the  most 
beaten,  of  the  paths  that  led  to  this  species  of  ascendency. 
It  is  not  alone  to  the  religujn  of  Christendom,  as  it  existed 
in  the  time  of  Lutlier,  that  we  are  to  look  for  an  example 
of  the  baneful  consequence  of  spiritual  and  temporal  au- 
thority, as  blended  in  human  institutions.  Christian  or 
Mahommedan,  Catholic  or  Protestant,  the  evil  comes  in 
every  case  from  the  besetting  infirmity  which  tempts  the 
strong  to  oppress  the  weak,  and  the  powerful  to  abuse  their 
trusts.  Against  this  failing  there  seems  to  be  no  security 
but  an  active  and  certain  responsibility.  So  long  as  the 
severe  morality  required  of  its  ministers,  by  the  Christian 
faith,  is  uncorrupted  by  any  gross  admixture  of  worldly 
advantage,  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  altar,  at  least, 
will  escape  serious  defilement ;  but  no  sooner  are  these 
fatal  enemies  admitted  to  the  sanctuary,  than  a  thousand 
spirits,  prompted  b)^  cupidity,  rush  rashly  into  the  temple, 
willing  to  bear  with  the  outward  exactions  of  the  faith,  in 
order  to  seek  its  present  and  visible  rewards. 

However  piu-c  may  be  a  social  system,  or  a  religion,  in 
the  commencement  of  its  power,  the  possession  of  an  un- 
disputed ascendency  lures  all  alike  into  excesses  fatal  to 
consistency,  to  justice,  and  to  truth.  This  is  a  consequence 
of  the  independent  exercise  of  human  volition,  that  seems 
nearly  inseparable  from  human  frailty.  We  gradually 
come  to  substitute  inclination  and  interest  for  right,  until 
the  moral  foundations  of  the  mind  are  sapped  by  indul- 
gence, and  what  was  once  regarded  with  the  aversion  that 
wrong  excites  in  the  innocent,  gets  to  be  not  only  familiar, 
but  justifiable  by  expediency  and  use.  There  is  no  more 
certain  symptom  of  the  decay  of  the  principles  requisite  t(^ 
maintain  even  our  imperfect  standard  of  virtue,  than  when 
the  plea  of  necessity  is  urged  in  vindication  of  any  depart- 
ure from  its  mandate,  since  it  is  calling  in  the  aid  of  inge- 
nuity to  assist  the  passi(jns,  a  coalition  tiiat  rarely  fails  to 
lay  prostrate  the  feeble  defences  of  a  tottering  morality. 

It  is  no  wonder,  then,  that  the  world,  at  a  period  when 
religious  abuses  drove  even  churchmen  reluctantly  to  seek 
relief  in  insubordination,  should  exhibit  bold  instances  of 
the  flagrant  excesses  we  have  named.  Military  ambition, 
venality,  love  of  ease,  and  even  love  of  dissi[)ation,  equally 
sought  the  mantle  of  religion  as  cloaks  to  their  several  ob- 


yS  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

jects,  and  if  the  reckless  cavalier  was  willing  to  flesh  his 
sword  on  the  body  of  the  infidel,  in  order  that  he  might 
live  in  men's  estimation  as  a  hero  of  the  cross,  so  did  the 
trifler,  the  debauchee,  and  even  the  wit  of  the  capital,  con- 
sent to  obtain  circulation  by  receiving  an  impression  which 
gave  currency  to  all  coin,  whether  of  purer  or  of  baser 
metal,  since  it  bore  the  outward  stamp  of  the  Church  of 
God. 

"  Reformers,  or  rather  revilers,  for  that  is  the  term  they 
most  merit,"  returned  the  Abbe,  alluded  to  in  the  last 
speech  of  Albrecht  of  Veiderbach,  "  I  consign  without  re- 
morse to  the  devil.  As  for  this  pledge  of  our  brave  Knight 
of  Saint  John,  noble  Count  Emich,  so  far  as  I  am  con- 
cerned, it  shall  be  redeemed  :  for  I  am  certain  the  cellars 
of  Heidelbero;  can  resist  a  heavier  inroad  than  any  that  is 
likely  to  invade  them  by  such  means.  But  1  am  late  from 
my  chamber,  and  I  had  hoped,  ere  this,  to  have  seen  our 
brethren  of  Limburg  !  I  hope  no  unnecessary  misunder- 
standing is  likely  to  deprive  us  of  the  satisfaction  of  their 
presence.  Lord  Count  ?  " 

"  Little  fear  of  that,  so  far  as  it  may  depend  on  any  dis- 
appointment in  a  feast.  If  ever  the  devil  tempted  these 
monks  of  the  hill,  it  has  been  in  the  shape  of  gluttony. 
Were  I  to  judge  by  the  experience  of  forty  years  passed 
in  their  neighborhood,  I  should  think  they  deem  absti- 
nence an  eighth  deadly  sin." 

"Your  Benedictine  is  privileged  to  consider  hospitality 
a  virtue,  and  the  Abbot  has  fair  license  for  the  indulgence 
of  some  little  cheer.  We  will  not  judge  them  harshly, 
therefore,  but  form  our  opinions  of  their  merits  by  their 
deeds.  Thou  hast  many  servitors  without,  to  do  them 
honor  to-night,  Lord  Emich." 

The  Count  of  Leiningen  frowned,  and,  ere  he  answered, 
his  eye  exchanged  a  glance  with  that  of  his  kinsman,  which 
the  Abbe  might  have  interpreted  into  a  hidden  meaning, 
had  it  attracted  his  observation. 

*'My  people  gather  loyally  about  their  lord,  for  they 
have  heard  of  his  succor  sent  by  the  Elector  to  uphold  the 
lazy  Benedictines,"  was  the  reply.  "Four  hundred  mer- 
cenaries lie  within  the  Abbey  walls  this  night,  Master  La- 
touche,  and  it  should  not  cause  surprise  that  the  vassals  of 
Emich  of  Hartenburg  are  ready  with  hand  and  sword  to 
do  service  in  his  defence.  God's  mercy !  The  cunning 
priests  may  pretend  alarm,  but  if  any  here  hath  cause  to 


THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


79 


be  afraid,  truly  it  is  the  rightful  and  wronged  lord  of  the 
Jaegertlial  ! " 

"  Thy  situation,  Cousin  of  Hartenburg,"  observed  the 
wearer  of  the  cross  of  Saint  John,  "  is,  in  sooth,  one  of  mas- 
terly diplomacy.  Here  dost  thou  stand  at  sword's  point 
with  the  Abbot  of  Limburg,  ready  at  need  to  exchange 
deadly  thrusts,  and  to  put  this  long-disputed  supremacy 
on  the  issue  of  battle,  while  thou  callest  on  the  keeper  of 
thy  cellar  to  bring  forth  the  choicest  of  its  contents,  in  or- 
der to  do  hospitality  and  honor  to  thy  mortal  foe  !  This 
beateth,  in  all  niceties,  Monsieur  Latouche,  the  situation 
of  an  abbe  of  thy  quality,  who  is  scarce  churchman  enough 
to  merit  salvation,  nor  yet  deep  enough  in  sin  to  be  in- 
continently damned  in  the  general  mass  of  evil-doers." 

"  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  we  shall  share  the  common  lot 
of  mortals,  which  is  to  receive  more  grace  tiian  they  merit," 
returned  the  Abb^,  a  title  that  in  fact  scarce  denoted  one 
seriously  devoted  to  the  Church.  "  But  I  trust  this  pres- 
ent meeting  between  the  hostile  powers  may  prove  amica- 
ble ;  for,  not  to  conceal  the  truth,  unlike  our  friend  the 
Knight  here,  I  am  of  none  of  the  belligerent  orders." 

"  Hark  !  "  exclaimed  the  host,  lifting  a  finger  to  com- 
mand attention  :  "  Heard  ye  aught  ?  " 

"There  is  much  of  the  music  of  thy  growlers  in  the 
courts,  cousin,  and  some  oaths  in  a  German  that  needs  be 
translated  to  be  understood  ;  but  that  blessed  signal  the 
supper-bell  is  still  mute." 

"Go  to  ! — 'Tis  the  Abbot  of  Limburg  and  his  brethren, 
Fathers  Siegfried  and  Cuno.  Let  us  to  the  portal,  to  do 
them  usual  honor." 

As  this  was  welcome  news  to  both  the  Knight  and  the 
Abbe,  they  manifested  a  suitable  desire  to  be  foremost  in 
paying  the  required  attention  to  a  personage,  as  important 
in  that  region  as  the  rich  and  powerful  chief  of  the  neigh- 
boring religious  establishment. 


CHAPTER  Vr. 

"Why  not? — Tlic  dcei)cr  sinner,  l)t.'ltcr  s.iint." — BVRON. 

A  WILD  and  plaintive  note  had  l)ecn  sounded  on  a  horn 
far  in  the  valley  towards  the  hill  of  Limburg.  This  melo- 
dious music   was   of  common  occurrence,  for  of  all  that 


So  THE   HEIDENMAUER, 

dwell  in  Europe,  they  who  inhabit  the  banks  of  the  Rhine, 
the  Elbe,  the  Oder,  and  the  Danube,  with  their  tributaries, 
are  tlie  most  addicted  to  the  cultivation  of  sweet  sounds. 
We  hear  much  of  the  harshness  of  the  Teutonic  dialects, 
and  of  the  softness  of  those  of  Latin  origin  ;  but,  Venice 
and  the  regions  of  the  Alps  excepted,  nature  has  amply 
requited  for  the  inequality  that  exists  between  the  lan- 
guages, by  the  difference  in  the  organs  of  speech.  He 
who  journeys  in  those  distant  lands  must,  as  a  rule,  expect 
to  hear  German  warbled  and  Italian  in  a  grand  crash, 
though  exceptions  are  certainly  to  be  found  in  both  cases. 
But  music  is  far  more  common  on  the  vast  plains  of  Sax- 
ony than  on  the  Campagna  Felice,  and  it  is  no  uncommon 
occurrence  to  be  treated  by  a  fair-haired  postilion  of  the 
former  country,  as  he  slowly  mounts  a  hill,  with  airs  on 
the  horn  that  would  meet  with  favor  in  the  orchestra  of  a 
capital.  It  was  one  of  these  melancholy  and  peculiar 
strains  which  now  gave  the  signal  to  the  spies  of  Count 
Emich  that  his  clerical  guests  had  quitted  the  convent. 

"  Heard  ye  aught,  brothers  ? "  demanded  Father  Boni- 
facius  of  the  companions  who  rode  at  his  side,  nearly  at 
the  same  moment  that  the  Lord  of  Leiningen  put  the  same 
question  in  his  hold ;  "  that  horn  spoke  in  a  meaning 
strain  ! " 

"  We  may  be  defeated  in  our  wish  to  reach  the  castle 
suddenly,"  returned  the  monk,  already  known  to  the 
reader  as  Father  Siegfried  ;  "  but  though  we  fail  in  look- 
ing into  Count  Emich's  secret  with  our  own  eyes,  I  have 
engaged  one  to  do  that  office  for  us,  and  in  a  manner,  I 
trust,  tliat  shall  put  us  on  the  scent  of  his  designs.  Cour- 
age, most  holy  Abbot,  the  cause  of  God  is  not  likely  to 
fail  for  want  of  succor.  When  were  the  meek  and  right- 
eous ever  deserted  ? " 

The  Abbot  of  Limburg  ejaculated,  in  a  manner  to  ex- 
press little  faith  in  any  miraculous  interposition  in  behalf 
of  his  cure,  and  he  drew  about  him  the  mantle  that  served 
in  some  degree  to  conceal  his  person,  spurring  the  beast 
he  rode  onl^  the  quicker,  from  a  feverish  desire,  if  possi- 
ble, to  outstrip  the  sounds,  which  he  intuitively  felt  were 
intended  to  announce  his  approach.  The  prelate  was  not 
deceived,  for  no  sooner  did  the  wild  notes  reach  the  castle, 
than  the  signal,  which  had  caught  the  attention  of  its 
owner,  was  communicated  to  those  within  the  walls. 

At  the  expected  summons  there  was  a  general  movement 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  Si 

among  the  idlers  of  the  courts.  Subordinate  officers  passed 
among  the  men,  hurrying  those  away  to  their  secret  lodging 
places  who  were  intractable  from  excess  of  liquor,  and  com- 
manding the  more  obedient  to  follow.  In  a  very  few  min- 
utes, and  long  before  the  monks,  who,  however,  pricked 
their  beasts  to  the  utmost,  had  time  to  get  near  the  ham- 
let even,  all  in  tlie  hold  was  reduced  to  a  state  of  tranquil 
repose  ;  the  castle  resembling  the  abode  of  any  other  pow- 
erful baron,  in  moments  of  profound  security.  Emich 
had  seen  to  this  disposition  of  his  people  in  person,  taking 
strict  caution  that  no  straggler  should  appear,  to  betray 
the  preparations  that  existed  within  his  walls.  When  this 
wise  precaution  was  observed,  he  proceeded,  with  his  two 
companions,  to  take  a  station  near  the  door  of  tiie  build- 
ing more  especially  appropriated  to  the  accommodation 
of  himself  and  his  friends,  in  order  to  await  the  arrival  of 
the  monks. 

The  moon  had  ascended  high  enough  to  illuminate  the 
mountain-side,  and  to  convert  tlie  brown  towers  and  ram- 
parts of  Ilartenburg  into  picturesque  forms,  relieved  by 
gloomy  shadows.  The  signals  appeared  to  have  thrown 
all  who  dwelt  in  the  hamlet,  as  well  as  they  who  inliabited 
the  frowning  hold  wdiich  overhung  that  secluded  spot, 
into  mute  attention.  For  a  few  minutes  the  quiet  was  so 
deep  and  general,  that  the  murmuring  of  tlie  rivulet  which 
meandered  through  the  meadows  was  audible.  Then  came 
the  swift  clattering  of  hoofs. 

*'  Our  churchmen  are  in  haste  to  taste  thy  Rhenish, 
noble  Emich,"  said  Albrccht  of  Viedcrbach,  who  rarely 
thought ;  **or  is  it  a  party  of  their  sumpter  mules  that  I 
hear  in  the  vallcv  !  " 

'*Were  the  Abbot  about  to  journey  to  some  other  con- 
vent of  his  order,  or  were  he  ready  to  visit  his  spiritual 
master  of  Spires,  there  is  no  doubt  that  many  such  cattle 
wcjuld  be  in  his  train  ;  for  of  all  lovers  of  fat  clieer,  Wilhelni 
of  Venloo,  who  has  been  styled  Bonifacius  in  his  baptism 
of  office,  is  he  that  most  worships  the  fruits  of  the  earth.  I 
would  he  and  all  his  brothcrliood  were  spiritually  planted 
in  the  garden  of  Eden  !  They  should  be  well  watered 
with  my  tears  !  " 

"The  wisli  hath  a  saintly  odor,  but  may  not  be   accom- 
plished without   mortal   aid — unless  thou  hast  favor  with 
the  Prince  Elector  of  Koeln,  who  might  haply  do  thee  that 
service,  in  the  way  of  miracle." 
6 


82  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

"Thou  triflest,  knight,  in  a  matter  of  great  gravity," 
answered  Emich  roughly,  for,  notwithstanding  his  inher- 
ited and  deadly  dislike  of  the  particular  portion  of  the 
Church  whicli  interfered  with  his  own  power,  the  Count  of 
Hartenburg  had  all  the  dependence  on  superior  knowledge 
that  is  the  unavoidable  offspring  of  a  limited  education. 
"  The  Prince  Elector  hath  served  many  noble  families  in 
the  way  thou  namest,  and  he  might  do  honor  to  houses 
less  deserving  of  his  grace  than  that  of  Leiningen.  But 
here  cometh  the  Abbot  and  his  boon  associates.  God's 
curse  await  them  for  their  pride  and  avarice  ! " 

The  clattering  of  hoofs  had  been  gradually  increasing, 
and  was  now  heard  even  on  the  pavement  of  the  outer 
court ;  for  in  order  to  do  honor  to  his  guests,  the  count 
had  especially  ordered  there  should  be  no  delay  or  impedi- 
ment from  gate,  portcullis,  or  bridge. 

"Welcome,  and  reverence  for  tliy  churchly  (jfifice,  right 
holy  Abbot!  "  cried  Emich,  from  whose  lips  had  just  part- 
ed the  malediction,  advancing  officiously  to  aid  the  prel- 
ate in  dismounting — "  Thou  art  welcome,  brothers  both  ; 
worthy  companions  of  thy  respected   and  honored   chief." 

The  churchmen  alighted,  assisted  by  the  menials  of 
Hartenburg,  with  much  show  of  honor  on  the  part  of  the 
Count  himself,  and  on  that  of  his  friends.  When  fairly 
on  their  feet,  they  courteously  returned  the  greetings. 

'*  Peace  be  with  thee,  son,  and  with  this  cavalier  and  ser- 
vitor of  the  Church  !  "  said  Father  Bonifacius,  signing  wdth 
the  rapid  manner  in  which  a  Catholic  priest  scatters  his 
benedictions.  "St.  Benedict  and  the  Virgin  take  ye  all 
in  their  holy  keeping  !  I  trust,  noble  Emich,  we  have  not 
given  thee  cause  of  vexation,  by  some  little  delay  ?" 

"Thou  never  comest  amiss,  father,  be  it  at  morn,  or  be 
it  at  even  ;  I  esteem  Hartenburg  more  than  honored,  when 
thy  reverend  head  passeth  beneath  its  portals." 

"We  had  every  desire  to  embrace  thee,  son,  but  certain 
offices  of  religion,  that  may  not  be  neglected,  kept  us  from 
the  pleasure.  But  let  us  within  ;  for  T  fear  the  evening 
air  may  do  injury  to  those  that  are  uncloaked." 

At  this  considerate  suggestion,  Emich,  wnth  much  show 
of  respect  to  liis  guests,  ushered  them  into  the  apartment 
he  liad  himself  so  lately  quitted.  Here  recommenced  the 
show  of  those  wily  courtesies  which,  in  that  semi-barbarous 
and  treacherous  age,  often  led  men  to  a  heartless  and  some- 
times to  a  blasphemous  trifling  with  the  most  sacred  obliga- 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  83 

tions,  to  effect  their  purposes,  and  which,  in  our  times,  has 
degenerated  to  a  deception,  that  is  more  measured  perliaps, 
but  which  is  scarcely  less  sophisticated  and  vicious.  Much 
was  said  of  mutual  satisfaction  at  this  opportunity  of  com- 
mingling spirits,  and  the  blunt  professions  of  the  sturdy  but 
politic  baron  were  more  than  met  by  the  pretending  sane- 
tity  and  official  charity  of  the  priest. 

The  Abbot  of  Limburg  and  his  companions  had  come 
to  the  intended  feast  with  vestments  that  partially  con- 
cealed their  characters  ;  but  when  the  outer  cloaks  and  the 
other  garments  were  removed,  they  remained  in  the  usual 
attire  of  their  order,  the  prelate  being  distinguished  from 
his  inferiors  by  those  symbols  of  clerical  rank  which  it 
was  usual  for  one  of  his  authority  to  display  when  not  en- 
gaged in  the  ministrations  of  the  altar. 

When  the  guests  were  at  their  ease,  the  conversation 
took  a  less  personal  direction,  for  though  rude  and  unnur- 
tured as  his  own  war-horse,  as  regards  most  that  is  called 
cultivation  in  our  bookish  days,  Emich  of  Hartenburg 
wanted  for  none  of  tlie  courtesies  that  became  his  rank, 
more  especially  as  civilities  of  this  nature  were  held  to  be 
worthy  of  a  feudal  lord,  and  in  that  particular  region. 

"'Tis  said,  reverend  Abbot,"  continued  the  host,  pushing 
the  discourse  to  a  point  that  might  favor  his  own  secret 
views,  ''that  our  common  master,  the  Prince  Elector,  is 
sorely  urged  by  his  enemies,  and  that  there  are  even  fears 
a  stranger  may  usurp  the  rule  in  the  noble  Castle  of 
Heidelberg.  Hast  thou  heard  aught  of  his  late  distresses, 
or  of  the  necessities  that  bear  upon  his  house  ?" 

"  Masses  have  been  said  for  his  benefit  in  all  our  chapels, 
and  there  are  hourly  prayers  that  he  may  prevail  against 
his  enemies.  In  virtue  of  a  concession  made  to  the  abbey, 
by  our  common  father  at  Rome,  we  offer  liberal  indul- 
gences, too,  to  all  that  take  up  arms  in  this  behalf." 

"  Thou  art  much  unitc^d  in  love  with  Duke  Friedrich, 
lioly  prelate  I  "   muttered  Emich. 

"  VVe  owe  liim  such  respect  as  all  should  willingly  pay 
to  the  str(jng  temporal  arm  that  shields  them  ;  our  serious 
fealty  is  due  alone  to  heaven.  Hut  liow  comes  it  that  so 
stout  a  baron,  one  so  much  esteemed  in  warlike  exercises, 
and  so  well  knf>wn  in  dangerous  enterprises,  rests  in  his 
doublet,  at  a  time  when  his  sovereign's  throne  is  tottering? 
We  had  h(\'ird  that  thou  weit  summoning  ihv  pet^ple,  Herr 
Count,  and  thought  it  had  been  in  the  Elector's  interest." 


84  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

'■'■  Friedrich  hath  not  of  late  given  me  cause  to  love  him. 
If  I  have  called  my  vassals  about  me,  'tis  because  the  times 
teach  every  noble  to  be  wary  of  his  rights.  I  have  con- 
sorted so  much  of  late  with  my  cousin  of  Vicderbach,  this 
self-denying  Knight  of  Rhodes,  that  martial  thoughts  will 
obtrude  even  on  the  brain  of  one,  peaceful  and  homebred 
as  thy  poor  neighbor  and  penitent." 

The  Abbot  bowed  and  smiled,  like  one  who  gave  full 
credit  to  the  speaker's  words,  while  a  by-play  arose  be- 
tween the  wandering  and  houseless  knight,  the  abbe,  and 
the  brothers  of  Limburg.  In  this  manner  did  a  few  min- 
utes wear  away,  when  a  flourish  of  trumpets  announced 
that  the  expected  banquet  awaited  its  guests.  Menials 
lighted  the  party  to  the  hall  in  which  the  board  was  spread, 
and  much  ceremonious  form  was  observed  in  assigning  to 
each  of  the  individuals  the  place  suited  to  his  rank  and 
character.  Count  Emich,  who  in  connnon  was  of  a  nature 
too  blunt  and  severe  to  waste  his  efforts  in  superfluous 
breeding,  now  showed  himself  earnest  to  please,  for  he 'had 
at  heart  an  object  that  he  knew  was  in  danger  of  being 
baffled  by  the  more  practised  artifices  of  the  monks. 
During  the  preliminary  mov^ements  of  the  feast,  which 
had  all  the  gross  and  all  the  profuse  hospitality  which  dis- 
tinguished such  entertainments,  he  neglected  no  custom- 
ary observance.  The  robust  and  sensual  Abbot  was  fre- 
quently plied  with  both  cup  and  dish,  while  the  inferior 
monks  received  the  same  agreeable  attentions  from  Al- 
brecht  of  Viederbach,  and  Monsieur  Latouche,  who,  not- 
withstanding it  suited  his  convenience  to  pass  through  life 
under  the  guise  of  a  churchman,  was  none  the  worse  at 
board  or  revel.  As  the  viands  and  the  generous  liquors 
began  to  operate  on  the  physical  functions  of  the  brothers, 
however,  they  insensibly  dropped  their  masks,  and  each 
discovered  more  of  those  natural  qualities  which  usually 
lay  concealed  from  casual  observation. 

It  was  a  rule  of  tlie  Benedictines  to  practise  hospitality. 
ThiC  convent  door  was  never  closed  against  the  wayfarer, 
and  he  who  applied  for  shelter  and  food  was  certain  of  ob- 
taining both,  administered  more  or  less  in  a  manner  suited 
to  the  applicant's  ordinary  liabits.  The  practice  of  a 
virtue  so  costly  was  a  sufficient  pretence  for  accumulating 
riches,  and  he  who  travels  at  this  day  in  Europe  will  find 
ample  proofs  that  the  means  of  carrying  into  effect  this 
law  of  the  order  were  abundantly  supplied.     Abbeys  of 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  85 

this  particular  class  of  monks  are  still  of  frequent  occur- 
rence in  the  forest  cantons  of  Switzerland,  Germany,  and 
in  most  of  the  other  Catholic  states.  But  the  gradual  and 
healthful  transfer  of  political  power  from  clerical  to  laical 
hands,  has  long  since  shorn  them  of  their  temporal  lustre. 
Many  of  these  abbots  were  formerly  princes  of  the  empire, 
and  several  of  the  communities  exercised  sovereign  sway 
over  territories  that  have  since  taken  to  themselves  the 
character  of  independent  states. 

While  the  spiritual  charge  and  the  mortifications  believed 
to  characterize  a  brotherhood  of  Benedictines  were  more 
especially  left  to  a  subordinate  monk  termed  the  prior, 
the  abbot,  or  head  of  the  establishment,  was  expected  to 
preside  not  only  over  the  temporalities,  but  at  the  board. 
This  frequent  communication  with  the  vulgar  interests  of 
life,  and  the  constant  indulgence  in  its  grosser  gratifica- 
tions, were  but  ill  adapted  to  the  encouragement  of  the 
monastic  virtues.  We  have  already  remarked  that  the  in- 
timate connection  between  the  interests  of  life  and  those  of 
tiie  church  is  destructive  of  apostolical  character.  This 
blending  of  God  with  Mammon,  this  device  of  converting 
the  revealed  ordinances  of  the  Master  of  the  Universe 
into  a  species  of  buttress  to  uphold  temporal  SAvay,  though 
habit  has  so  long  rendered  it  familiar  to  the  inhabitants  of 
the  other  hemisphere,  and  even  to  a  large  portion  of  those 
who  dwell  in  this,  is,  in  our  American  eyes,  only  a  little  re- 
moved from  blasphemy  ;  but  the  triumphs  of  the  press, 
and  the  changes  made  by  the  steady  advances  of  public 
opinion,  have  long  since  done  away  with  a  multitude  of 
still  more  equivocal  usages,  that  were  as  familiar  to  those 
who  existed  three  centuries  ago,  as  our  own  customs  to  us 
at  this  hour.  When  prelates  were  seen  in  armor,  leading 
their  battalions  to  slaughter,  it  is  not  to  be  supposed  that 
the  other  dignitaries  of  this  jirivileged  class  would  be 
more  tender  of  appearances  than  was  exacted  by  the  opin- 
ions of  the  age. 

Willielni  of  Venloo,  known  since  his  elevation  as  Boni- 
facius  of  Limburg,  was  not  possessed  of  all  tiiat  temporal 
authority,  however,  which  tempted  so  many  of  his  peers 
to  sin.  Still  he  was  the  head  of  a  rich,  ]:)owerful,  and  re- 
spected brotherhood,  that  had  many  allodial  rights  in  lands 
beyond  the  abbey  walls,  and  which  was  not  without  its 
claims  to  the  fealtv  of  simdry  dependants.  Of  vigorous 
mind   and    body,  this   dignified    churchman    commanded 


86  THE  HE IDENM ALTER. 

much  influence  by  means  of  a  species  of  character  that 
often  crosses  us  in  life,  a  sturdy  independence  of  thought 
and  action  that  imposed  on  the  credulous  and  timid,  and 
which  sometimes  caused  the  bold  and  intelligent  to  hesitate. 
His  reputation  was  far  greater  for  learning  than  for  piety, 
and  his  besetting  sin  was  well  known  to  be  a  disposition  to 
encounter  the  shock  between  the  powers  of  mind  and  mat- 
ter, as  both  were  liable  to  be  affected  by  deep  potations 
and  gross  feeding — a  sort  of  degeneracy  to  which  all  are 
peculiarly  liable  who  place  an  unnatural  check  on  the  or- 
dinary and  healthful  propensities  of  nature — just  as  one 
sense  is  known  to  grow  in  acuteness  as  it  is  deprived  of  a 
fellow.  The  abbot  loosened  his  robe,  and  threw  his  cowl 
still  farther  from  his  neck,  while  Emich  pledged  him  in 
Rlienish,  cup  after  cup  ;  and  by  the  time  the  meats  were 
removed,  and  the  powers  of  digestion,  or  we  might  better 
say  of  retention,  would  endure  no  more,  his  heavy  cheeks  be- 
came flushed,  his  bright,  deeply-seated,  and  searching  gray 
eyes  flashed  with  a  species  of  ferocious  delight,  and  his  lip 
frequently  quivered,  as  the  clay  gave  eloquent  evidence  of 
its  enjoyment.  Still  his  voice,  though  it  had  lost  its  re- 
buked and  schooled  tones,  was  firm,  deep,  and  authoritative, 
and  ever  and  anon  he  threw  into  his  discourse  some  severe 
and  pointed  sarcasm,  bitingly  scornful.  His  subordinates, 
too,  gave  similar  proofs  of  the  gradual  lessening  of  their 
caution,  though  in  degrees  far  less  imposing,  we  had  almost 
said  less  grand,  than  that  which  rendered  the  sensual  excite- 
ment of  their  superior  so  remarkable,  Albrecht  and  the  abbe 
also  betrayed,  each  in  his  own  manner,  the  influence  of  the 
banquet,  and  all  became  garrulous,  disputative,  and  noisy. 

Not  so  with  Emich  of  Hartenburg.  He  had  eaten  in  a 
manner  to  do  justice  to  his  vast  frame  and  bodily  wants, 
and  he  drank  fairly  ;  but,  until  this  moment,  the  nicest 
observer  would  have  been  puzzled  to  detect  any  decrease 
of  his  powers.  The  blue  of  his  large  leaden  eyes  became 
brighter,  it  is  true,  but  their  expression  was  yet  in  com- 
mand, and  their  language  courteous. 

*'Thou  dost  but  little  compliment  to  my  poor  fare,  most 
holy  Abbot,"  cried  the  host,  as  he  witnessed  a  lingering 
look  of  the  prelate,  whose  eye  followed  the  delicious  frag- 
ments of  a  wild  boar  from  the  hall — ''  If  the  knaves  have 
stinted  thee  in  the  choice  of  morsels,  by  St.  Benedict  !  but 
the  mountains  of  my  chase  can  still  furnish  other  animals 
of  the  kind — How  now •" 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  S7 

"  I  pray  thee,  mercy,  noble  Emich  !  Thy  forester  halh 
done  thee  fair  justice  with  his  spear  ;  more  savory  beast 
never  smoked  at  table." 

"  It  fell  by  the  hand  of  young  Berchthold,  the  Burgher 
of  Duerckheim's  orphan.  'Tis  a  bold  youth  in  the  forest, 
and  I  doubt  not,  his  will  one  day  be  a  ready  hand  in  bat- 
tle. Thcju  knowcst  him  I  mean,  father,  for  he  is  often  at 
thy  abbey  confessionals." 

"  He  is  better  known  to  the  prior  than  to  one  so  busied 
with  worldly  cares  as  I.  Is  the  youth  at  hand?  I  would 
fain  render  him  thanks." 

"  Hear  ye  that,  varlet !  Bid  my  head  forester  appear. 
The  reverend  and  noble  Abbot  of  Limburg  owes  him 
grace." 

"  Didst  thou  say  tlie  youth  was  of  Duerckheim  ?  " 

"  Of  that  goodly  town,  reverend  priest ;  and,  though  re- 
duced by  evil  chances  to  be  the  ranger  of  my  woods,  a  lad 
of  mettle  in  the  chase,  and  of  no  bad  discourse  in  moments 
of  ease." 

"  Thou  claimest  hard  service,  Cousin  of  Hartenburg, 
of  these  peaceful  townsmen  !  Were  they  left  freely  to 
choose  between  the  ancient  duty  of  our  convent,  and  this 
stirring  life  thou  leadest  the  artisans,  we  slujuld  have  more 
penitents  within  our  walls." 

The  fealty  of  Duerckheim  was  a  long  mooted  point  be- 
tween the  corporation  of  Limburg  and  the  house  of  Lein- 
ingen,  and  the  allusion  of  the  monk  was  not  thrown  away 
upon  his  host.  Emich's  brow  clouded,  and  for  a  moment 
it  threatened  a  storm  ;  but,  recovering  his  self-command, 
he  answered  in  a  tone  of  hilarity,  tlujugh  with  sufficient 
coolness  : — 

"  Thy  words  remind  me  of  present  affairs,  reverend  Boni- 
facius,  and  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  put  a  sudden  check 
on  festivities  which  were  getting  warm  without  an  object." 
The  Count  arose,  and  filled  to  the  brim  a  cup  of  h(3rn, 
elaborately  ornamented  witii  gold,  drawing  the  attention 
of  all  at  table  to  himself  by  the  acticm.  "  Nobles  and  rev- 
erend seiA'ants  of  i\(M\''  he  continued,  "I  drink  to  the 
health  and  iiappiness  of  the  lumored  Wilhelm  of  Venloo, 
the  holy  Abbot  of  Limburg,  and  my  k)ving  neighbor. 
May  his  brotherhood  never  know  a  worse  guide,  and  may 
the  lives  and  conttMitment  (jf  all  that  now  belong  to  it  be 
as  lasting  as  the  abbey  walls." 

Emich   concluded   the   potent   cup   at  a  single  draught. 


88  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

In  order  to  do  honor  to  the  mitred  monk,  there  had  been 
placed  by  the  side  of  Bonifacius  a  vessel  of  agate  richly 
decorated  with  jewelry,  an  heir-loom  of  the  house  of  Lein- 
ingen.  While  his  host  was  speaking,  the  looks  of  the  lat- 
ter watched  every  expression  of  his  countenance,  through 
gray,  overhanging,  shaggy  brows,  that  shaded  the  upper 
part  of  his  face  like  a  screen  of  shrubbery  planted  to  shut 
out  prying  eyes  from  a  close  ;  and  he  paused  when  the 
health  was  given.  Then,  rising  in  his  turn,  he  quaffed  a 
compliment  in  return. 

"I  drink  of  this  pure  and  wholesome  liquor,"  he  said, 
''  to  the  noble  Emich  of  Leiningen,  to  all  of  his  ancient 
and  illustrious  house,  to  his  and  their  present  hopes,  and 
to  their  final  deliverance.  May  this  goodly  hold,  and  the 
happiness  of  its  lord,  endure  as  long  as  those  walls  of  Lim- 
burg  of  which  the  Count  has  spoken,  and  which,  were  his 
loving  wishes  consulted,  would  doubtless  stand  for  ever." 

"  By  the  life  of  the  emperor,  learned  Bonifacius  !  "  ex- 
claimed Emich,  striking  his  fist  on  the  table  with  force, 
"you  as  much  exceed  one  of  my  narrow  wit  in  wishes,  as 
in  godliness  and  other  excellences  !  But  I  pretend  not  to 
set  limits  to  my  desires  in  your  behalf,  and  throw  the  fault 
of  my  imperfect  speech  on  a  youth  that  had  more  to  do 
with  the  sword  than  with  the  breviary.  And  now  let  us 
to  serious  concerns.  It  may  not  be  known  to  you.  Cousin 
of  Viederbach,  or  to  this  obliging  churchman  who  honors 
Hartenburg  with  his  presence,  tliat  there  has  been  subject 
of  amicable  dispute  between  tlie  brotheihood  of  Limburg 
and  my  unworthy  house,  touching  the  matter  of  certain 
wines,  that  are  believed  by  the  one  party  to  be  its  dues, 
and  by  the  other  to  be  a  mere  pious  grace  accorded  to  the 
Church " 

"Nay,  noble  Emich,"  interrupted  the  Abbot,  "we  have 
never  held  the  point  to  be  disputable  in  any  manner.  The 
lands  in  question  are  held  of  us  in  socage  ;  and,  in  lieu  of 
bodily  service,  we  have  long  since  commuted  for  the  prod- 
uce of  vines  that  might  be  named." 

"  I  cry  you  mercy  ;  if  there  be  dues  at  all,  they  come  of 
naught  else  than  knight's  service.  None  of  my  name  or 
lineage  ever  paid  less  to  mortal  ! " 

"Let  it  be  tlius,"  Bonifacius  answered  more  mildly. 
"  The  question  is  of  the  amount  of  liquor,  and  not  of  the 
tenure  whence  it  comes." 

"  Thou  sayest  right,  wise   Abbot,  and  I   cry  mercy  of 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  89 

these  listeners.  State  thou  the  matter,  reverend  Bonifa- 
cius,  that  our  friends  may  know  the  humor  on  which  we 
are  madly  bent." 

Tlie  Count  of  Hartenburg  succeeded  in  swallowing  his 
rising  ire,  and  made  a  gesture  of  courtesy  towards  the  Ab- 
bot, as  he  concluded.  Father  Bonifacius  rose  again,  and 
notwithstanding  the  physical  ravages  tliat  excess  was  mak- 
ing within,  it  was  still  with  the  air  of  calmness  and  disci- 
pline that  became  his  calling. 

"As  our  upright  and  esteemed  friend  has  just  related," 
he  said,  *'  there  is  truly  a  point,  of  a  light  but  unseemly  nat- 
ure to  exist  between  so  dear  nciglibors,  open  between  him 
and  us  servants  of  God.  The  Coimts  of  Leiningen  have 
long  considered  it  a  pleasure  to  do  favor  to  the  Church, 
and  in  this  just  and  commendable  spirit,  it  is  now  some  fifty 
years  that,  at  the  termination  of  each  vintage,  without  re- 
gard to  seasons  or  harvest,  without  stooping  to  change 
their  habits  at  every  change  of  weather,  they  have  paid  to 
our  brotherhood " 

"  Presented,  priest !  " 

"  Presented, — if  such  is  thy  will,  noble  Emich, — fifty 
casks  of  this  gentle  liquor  that  now  warms  our  hearts 
towards  each  other,  with  brotherly  and  praiseworthy  af- 
fection. Now,  it  has  been  settled  between  us,  to  avoid  all 
future  motive  of  controversy,  and  either  the  better  to  gar- 
nish our  cellars,  or  to  relieve  the  house  of  Hartenburg  al- 
together of  future  imposition,  that  it  shall  be  decided  this 
night,  whether  the  tribute  henceforth  shall  consist  of  one 
hundred  casks,  or  of  nothing." 

"  By' re  Lady!  A  most  important  issue,  and  one  likely 
to  impoverish  or  to  enrich  !"  exclaimed  the  Knight  of 
Rhodes. 

"  As  such  we  deem  it,"  continued  tlie  monk,  "and  in  that 
view,  parchments  of  release,  witli  all  due  appliances  and 
seals,  have  been  prepared  by  a  clerkly  scholar  of  Heidel- 
berg. This  indenture,  duly  executed,"  he  added,  drawing 
from  his  bosom  the  instruments  in  question,  "yieldeth 
to  Emich  all  the  Abbey's  rights  to  the  vines  in  dispute, 
and  this  wanteth  but  his  sign  of  arms  and  noble  name,  to 
double  their  present  duty." 

"  Hold  !  "  c:ried  the  Ciievalicr  of  the  Cross,  whose  facul- 
ties began  already  to  give  way,,  though  it  was  only  in  the 
commencement  of  the  debaucli  :  "Here  is  matter  might 
puzzle  the  Grand  Turk,  who  sits  in  judgment  in  the  very 


90  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

seat  of  Solomon  !  If  thou  renderest  thy  claims,  and  my 
cousin  Emich  yieldeth  double  tribute-money,  both  parties 
will  be  the  worse,  and  neitlier  possessed  of  the  liquor!  " 

"  In  a  merry  mood,  it  hath  been  proposed  that  there  shall 
be  the  trial  of  love  and  not  of  battle,  between  us,  for  the 
vines.  The  question  is  of  liquor,  and  it  is  agreed, — St. 
Benedict  befriend  me,  if  there  be  sin  in  the  folly !  to  try 
on  whose  constitution  the  disputed  liquor  is  the  most  apt 
to  work  good  or  evil.  Let  the  Count  of  Hartenburg  give 
to  liis  parchment  the  virtue  that  hath  already  been  given 
to  this  of  ours,  and  we  shall  leave  both  in  some  place  of 
observation  ; — then,  when  he  alone  is  able  to  rise  and  seize 
on  both,  let  him  give  the  victor's  cry  ;  but  should  he  fail 
of  that  power,  and  there  be  a  servant  of  the  Church  ready, 
and  able  to  grasp  the  instruments,  why  let  him  go,  and 
think  no  more  of  land  that  he  hath  right  merrily  lost." 

"  By  St.  John  of  Jerusalem,  but  this  is  a  most  unequal 
contest — three  monks  against  one  poor  baron,  in  a  trial  of 
heads  ! " 

"  Nay,  we  think  more  of  our  lionor,  than  to  permit  this 
wrong.  The  Count  of  Hartenburg  hath  full  riglit  to  call 
in  equal  succor,  and  I  have  taken  thee,  gallant  cavalier  of 
Rhodes,  and  this  learned  Abbe,  to  be  his  chosen  backers  !  " 

"Let  it  be  so!"  cried  the  two  in  question, — "We  ask 
no  better  service  than  to  drain  Count  Emich's  cellars  to 
his  honor  and  profit !  " 

But  the  lord  of  the  hold  had  taken  the  matter,  as  in- 
deed it  was  fully  understood  between  the  principals,  to  be 
a  question  on  which  depended  a  serious  amount  of  rev- 
enue, for  all  futurity.  The  wager  had  arisen,  in  one  of 
those  wild  contests  for  physical  and  gross  supremacy, 
which  characterize  ages  and  countries  of  imperfect  civili- 
zation ;  for  next  to  deeds  in  arms  and  other  manful  exer- 
cises, like  those  of  the  chase  and  saddle,  it  was  deemed 
honorable  to  be  able  to  undergo  the  trials  of  the  festive 
board  with  impunity.  Nor  should  it  occasion  surprise  to 
find  churchmen  engaged  in  these  encounters  ;  for,  inde- 
pendently of  our  writing  of  an  age  when  they  appeared  in 
the  field,  there  is  sufficient  evidence  that  our  own  times 
are  not  entirely  purified  from  so  coarse  abuses  of  the 
gown.  But  Bonifacius  of  Limburg,  though  a  man  of  ex- 
tensive learning  and  strong  intellectual  qualities,  had  a 
weakness  on  this  particular  point,  for  which  we  may  be 
driven  to  seek  an  explanation  in  his  peculiar  animal  con- 


THE  HEIDENMAURR.  91 

struction.  He  was  of  a  powerful  frame  and  sluggish  tem- 
perament, both  of  which  required  strong  excitement  to  be 
wrought  up  to  the  highest  point  of  physical  enjoyment  ; 
and  neither  the  examples  around  him,  nor  his  own  partic- 
ular opinions,  taught  liim  to  avoid  a  species  of  indulgence 
that  he  found  so  agreeable  to  hisconstitiaion.  With  these 
serious  views  of  a  contest,  to  which  neither  party  would 
probably  have  consented,  had  not  each  great  confidence  in 
iiimself  as  a  well-tried  champion,  both  Etnich  and  the  Ab- 
bot required  that  the  instruments  siicmld  be  openly  read. 
The  discharge  of  this  duty  Vv'as  assigned  to  Monsieur  La- 
touche,  who  forthwith  proceeded  to  wade  through  a  tor- 
rent of  unintelligible  terms,  that  were  generated  in  the  ob- 
scurity of  feudal  tmies  for  the  benefit  of  the  strong,  and 
which  are  continued  to  our  own  period  through  pride  of 
professional  knowledge,  a  little  quickened  by  a  view  to 
professional  gain.  On  the  subject  of  tiie  true  considera- 
tion of  the  respective  releases,  the  instruments  themselves 
were  silent,  though  nothing  material  was  wanting  to  give 
them  validity,  especially  when  supported  by  a  good  sword  ; 
or  the  power  of  tlie  Church,  to  which  the  parties  looked 
respectively  in  the  event  of  Haws. 

Count  Emich  listened  warily  as  his  guest  the  Abbe  read 
clause  after  clause  of  the  deed.  Occasionally  his  eye  wan- 
dered to  the  firm  countenance  of  the  Abbot,  betraying 
habitual  distrust  of  his  hereditary  and  powerful  enemy, 
but  it  was  quickly  riveted  again  on  the  heated  features  of 
the  reader. 

"This  is  well,"  he  said,  w^hen  both  papers  had  been  ex- 
amined :  "  These  vines  are  to  remain  forever  with  me  and 
mine,  witliout  claim  from  any  grasping  churchman,  so  long 
as  grass  shall  grow  or  water  rim,  or  henceforth  they  pay 
do'ihh.'  tribute,  a  tax  that  will  leave  little  for  the  cellar  of 
tlieir  rightful  lord." 

"Such  are  our  terms,  noble  Emich.  But  to  confirm  the 
latter  condition,  thy  seal  and  name  are  wanting  to  the  in- 
strument." 

"Were  the  latter  to  be  written  by  a  good  sword,  none  could 
do  the  office  better  than  this  poor  arm,  reverend  Abbot  ; 
but  th(^u  knowest  well,  that  my  youth  was  too  much  given 
\.u  warlike  and  other  manly  exercises  befitting  my  rank,  to 
allow  much  time  for  acquiring  clerkly  skill.  By  the  holy 
Virgins  of  Koeln  !  It  were,  in  sooth,  a  shame  to  confess, 
that  one  of  my  class  in  these  stirring  times  had  leisure  for 


92  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

such  lady  games  !  Bring  hither  an  eagle's  feather — hand 
of  mine  never  yet  touched  aught  from  meaner  wing — tliat 
I  may  do  justice  to  the  monks." 

The  necessary  implements  being  produced,  the  Count  of 
Hartenburg  proceeded  to  execute  the  instrument  on  liis 
part.  The  wax  was  speedily  attached  and  duly  impressed 
with  the  bearings  of  Leiningen,  for  the  noble  wore  a  signet- 
ring  of  massive  size,  ready  at  all  times  to  give  this  token 
of  his  will.  But  when  it  became  necessary  to  subscribe 
the  name,  a  signal  was  made  to  a  domestic,  who  disap- 
peared in  quest  of  the  Count's  man  of  charge.  This 
individual  manifested  some  reluctance  to  perform  the 
customary  office,  but,  as  there  was  just  then  a  clamorous 
dialogue  among  the  party  at  table,  he  seized  the  moment 
to  examine  into  the  nature  of  the  document,  and  the  con- 
sideration that  was  to  decide  the  ownership  of  the  vineyard. 
Grinning  in  satisfaction,  at  a  species  of  payment  in  which 
he  held  it  to  be  impossible  Lord  Emich  could  fail  to  acquit 
himself  honorably,  the  dependant  took  the  hand  of  his 
master,  and,  accustomed  to  the  duty,  he  so  guided  it  as  to 
leave  a  very  legible  and  creditable  signature.  When  this 
had  been  done,  and  the  papers  were  properly  witnessed, 
the  Count  of  Hartenburg  glanced  suspiciously  from  the 
deed  in  his  hand  to  the  indomitable  face  of  the  Abbot,  as 
if  he  still  half  repented  of  the  act.  ''  Look  you,  Bonifa- 
cius,"  he  said,  shaking  a  finger, — ^'  Should  there  be  flaw, 
or  doubt  of  any  intention  in  this  our  covenant,  sword  of 
mine  shall  cut  it !  " 

"  First  earn  the  right,  Count  of  Leiningen.  The  deeds 
are  of  equal  virtue,  and  he  who  would  lay  claim  to  their 
benefits  must  win  the  wager.  We  are  but  poor  brothers 
of  St.  Benedict,  and  little  worthy  to  be  named  with  war- 
like barons  and  devoted  followers  of  St.  John,  but  we  have 
an  humble  trust  in  our  patron." 

*'  By  St.  Benedict,  it  shall  pass  for  a  miracle,  if  thou  pre- 
vailest ! "  shouted  Emich,  yielding  the  deed  in  a  burst  of 
delight.  "  Away  with  these  cups  of  agate  and  horn,  and 
bring  forth  vessels  of  glass,  that  all  may  see  we  deal  fairly 
by  each  other,  in  this  right  manly  encounter.  Look  to 
your  wits,  monks. — By  the  word  of  a  cavalier,  your  Latin 
will  do  little  service  in  this  dispute." 

"  Our  trust  is  in  our  patron,"  answered  Father  Siegfried, 
who  had  already  done  so  much  honor  to  the  banquet,  as  to 
give   reason   to   believe,  that,  in  his  case,  the   fraternity 


THE   HEIDENMAUER. 


93 


leaned  upon  a  fragile  staff.  *' He  never  yet  deserted  his 
children,  when  fairly  enlisted  in  a  good  cause." 

"  You  are  cunning  in  reasons,  fathers,"  put  in  the  knight 
— **and  I  doubt  not  that  sufficient  excuses  would  be  forth- 
coming, were  you  pushed  to  justify  service  to  the  devil." 

*'  We  suffer  for  the  church,"  was  the  Abbot's  answer, 
after  taking  a  bumper  in  obedience  to  a  signal  from  his 
host.  *'  We  hold  it  to  be  commendable  to  struggle  with 
the  flesh,  that  our  altars  may  flourish." 

As  soon  as  executed,  the  two  deeds  had  been  placed  on 
a  high  and  curiously  wrought  vessel  of  silver,  that  con- 
tained cordials,  and  which  occupied  the  centre  of  the 
board,  and  more  fitting  cups  having  been  brought,  the 
combatants  were  compelled  to  swallow  draught  after 
draught,  at  signals  from  Emicli,  who,  like  a  true  knight, 
saw  that  each  man  showed  loyalty.  But,  as  tiie  conflict 
was  between  men  of  great  experience  in  this  species  of 
contention,  and  as  it  endured  hours,  we  deem  it  unworthy 
of  the  theme  to  limit  its  description  to  a  single  chapter. 
Before  closing  the  page,  however,  we  shall  digress  for  a 
UKMiicnt,  in  order  to  express  our  opinions  concerning  the 
great  human  {)roperties  involved  in  this  sublime  strife. 

It  has  been  the  singular  fortune  oi  America  to  be  the 
source  of  numberless  ingenious  theories,  that,  taking  their 
rise  in  the  other  hcmisf^hcre,  have  been  let  loose  upon  the 
world  to  answer  ends  that  we  shall  not  stop  t(j  investigate. 
The  dignified  and  beneficed  prelate  maintains  there  is  no 
worship  of  G(jd  within  our  land,  ])robably  becnuse  there 
are  no  dignified  and  beneficed  ])re1ates  ;  a  sufficiently  logi- 
cal conclusion  for  all  who  believe  in  the  efficacy  of  that 
self-denying  class  of  Christians  ;  while  the  neophvte,  in 
some  lately  invented  religion,  denounces  us  all  in  a  body, 
as  so  many  miserable  bigots  devoted  to  Christ  !  In  this 
manner  is  a  ])ains-taking  and  |)lain-dealing  nation  of  near 
fcnuteen  millicms  of  souls  ke|)t,  as  it  were,  in  abeyance  in 
the  opinions  of  the  rest  of  mankind,  one  deeming  tiiem  as 
much  beyond,  as  another  fancies  them  to  be  short  of,  truth. 
In  the  fearfid  catalogue  of  our  deadly  sins,  is  included  a 
propensity  to  indulge  in  excesses  similar  to  that  it  is  now 
our  office  to  record.  As  we  are  confessedlv  democrats, 
dram-drinking  in  particular  has  been  pronounced  to  be  a 
"democratic  vice." 

It  has  been  our  fortune  to  have  lived  in  familiarity  with 
a  greater  variety  of  men,  either  considered  in  reference  to 


94  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

their  characters  or  their  conditions,  than  ordinarily  (alls  to 
the  lot  of  any  one  person.  We  have  visited  many  lands, 
not  in  the  capacity  of  a  courier,  but  staidly  and  soberly,  as 
becomes  a  grave  occupation,  setting  up  our  household 
gods,  and  abiding  long  enough  to  see  with  our  eyes  and  to 
hear  with  our  ears ;  and  we  feel  emboldened  to  presume 
on  these  facts,  in  order  to  express  a  different  opinion,  amid 
the  flood  of  assertions  that  has  been  made  by  those  who 
certainly  have  no  better  claim  to  be  heard.  And,  firstly, 
we  shall  here  say  that,  as  in  the  course  of  justice,  an  in- 
telligent, upright,  single-minded,  and  discriminating  wit- 
ness is,  perhaps,  the  rarest  of  all  desirable  instruments  in 
effecting  its  sacred  ends,  so  do  we  acknowledge  a  traveller, 
entitled  to  full  credit,  to  be  the  mortal  of  all  others  tlie 
least  likely  to  be  found. 

Tiie  art  of  travelling,  we  apprehend,  is  far  more  prac- 
tised than  understood.  To  us  it  has  proved  a  laborious, 
harassing,  puzzling,  and  oftentimes  a  painful  pursuit.  To 
divest  one's  self  of  impressions  made  in  youth  ;  to  investi- 
gate facts  without  referring  their  merits  to  a  standard  bot- 
t(micd  on  a  foundation  no  better  than  habit  ;  to  analyze, 
and  justly  to  compare  the  influence  of  institutions,  climate, 
natural  causes,  and  practice  ;  to  separate  what  is  merely 
exception  from  that  which  forms  the  rule  ;  or  even  to  ob- 
tain and  carry  away  accurate  notions  of  physical  things, 
and,  most  of  all,  to  possess  the  gift  of  imparting  these  re- 
sults comprehensively  and  with  graphical  truth,  requires 
a  combination  of  time,  occasion,  previous  knowledge,  and 
natural  ability,  that  rarely  falls  to  the  lot  oi  a  single  in- 
dividual. One  assumes  the  task  prepared  by  acquaintance 
with  established  opinions,  which  are  commonly  no  more 
than  prejudices,  the  result  of  either  policy,  or  of  the  very 
difficulties  just  enumerated  ;  and  he  goes  on  his  way,  not 
only  ready  but  anxious  to  receive  the  proofs  of  what  he 
expects,  limiting  his  pleasure  to  the  sort  of  delight,  that 
dependent  minds  feel  in  following  the  course  pointed  out 
by  those  that  are  superior.  As  the  admitted  peculiarities 
of  every  people  are  sufficiently  apparent,  he  converts  self- 
evident  facts  into  collateral  testimony,  and  faithfully  be- 
lieves and  imagines  all  that  is  concealed  on  the  strength 
of  that  which  is  obvious.  For  such  a  traveller  time  wears 
away  men  and  things  in  vain  ;  he  accords  his  belief  to  the 
last  standard  opinion  of  his  sect,  with  a  devotion  to  con- 
vention that  might  purchase  salvation  in  a  better  cause. 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  95 

To  him  Vesuvius  is  just  as  high,  produces  the  same  effect 
in  the  view,  and  has  exactly  the  same  outline  as  before  the 
crater  fell  ;  and  he  watches  the  workmen  disinterring  a 
house  at  its  base,  and  goes  away  rejoicing  at  having  wit- 
nessed the  resurrection  of  a  Roman  dwelling  after  eighteen 
hundred  years  of  interment,  simply  because  it  is  the  vul- 
gar account  that  Pompeii  was  lost  for  that  period.  If  lie 
should  happen  to  be  a  scholar,  what  is  his  delight  in  fol- 
lowing a  cicerone  (a  title  assumed  by  some  wily  scrviiore 
di  Piazza)  to  the  little  garden  that  overlooks  the  Roman 
Forum,  and  in  fancying  that  lie  stands  upon  the  Tarpeian 
Rock  !  His  faith  in  moral  qualities,  his  graduation  of 
national  virtue,  and  his  views  of  manners,  are  equally  the 
captives  of  the  last  popular  rumor.  A  Frenchman  may 
roll  incontinently  in  \\\q  ^^7'as  de  Paris,  filled  with  an  nlco- 
h(jl  inllammable  as  gunpowder,  and  in  his  eyes  it  shall 
pass  for  pure  animal  light-heartedness,  since  it  is  out  of 
all  rule  for  a  Frenchman  to  be  intoxicated,  while  the 
veriest  tyro  knows  that  the  nation  dances  to  a  man  !  Tlie 
gallant  general,  the  worshipful  alderman,  the  right  hon- 
orable adviser  of  the  king,  may  stammer  around  a  subject 
for  half  an  hour,  in  St.  Stephen's,  in  a  manner  to  confound 
all  conclusion,  and  generalize  so  completely  as  to  bnflle 
particularity,  and  vour  hearer  shall  go  away  convinced  of 
the  excellence  of  the  great  school  of  modern  eloquence, 
because  the  orator  has  been  brought  up  at  the  "feet  of 
Gamaliel."  When  one  thoroughly  imbued  with  this  pliant 
faculty,  gets  into  a  foreign  land,  with  what  a  diminished 
reverence  for  his  own  does  he  journey !  As  few  men  arc 
end(3wed  with  sufficient  penetration  to  pierce  the  mists  of 
received  opinion,  fewer  still  are  they  that  are  so  strong  in 
right  as  to  be  able  to  stem  its  tide.  He  who  precedes  his 
age  is  much  less  likely  to  be  lieard,  than  he  who  lingers  in 
its  rear  :  and  when  the  unwieldy  body  of  tlie  mass  reaches 
the  eminence  on  which  he  has  long  stood  the  object  of 
free  comment,  it  may  be  assumed  as  certain,  that  they  who 
were  his  bitterest  deriders  when  his  doctrine  was  new,  will 
be  foremost  in  claiming  the  honors  of  the  advance.  In 
short,  to  instruct  the  world,  it  is  necessary  to  watch  the 
ciuTcnt,  and  t(i  act  on  the  public  mind  like  the  unseen  rud- 
der, by  slight  and  imperceptible  variations,  avoiding,  as 
a  seaman  wcndd  express  it,  any  very  rank  sheer,  lest  the 
vessel  should  refuse  to  mind  her  helm  and  go  down  with 
the  stream. 


96  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

We  have  been  led  into  these  reflections,  by  frequent  op- 
portunities of  witnessing  the  facility  with  which  opinions 
are  adopted  concerning  ourselves,  because  they  have  come 
from  the  pens  of  those  who  have  long  contributed  to  amuse 
and  instruct  us,  but  which  are  perfectly  valueless,  both 
from  the  unavoidable  ignorance  of  those  who  utter  them, 
and  from  the  hostile  motives  that  gave  them  birth.  To  that 
class  which  would  wish  to  put  in  a  claim  to  bon  ion,  by 
undervaluing  their  countrymen,  we  have  nothing  to  say, 
since  they  are  much  beyond  improvement,  and  are  quite 
unable  to  understand  all  the  high  and  glorious  conse- 
quences dependent  on  the  great  principles  of  which  this 
republic  is  the  guardian.  Their  fate  was  long  since  settled 
by  a  permanent  and  wise  provision  of  human  feeling  ;  but, 
presuming  on  the  opportunities  mentioned,  and  long  habits 
of  earnest  observation  in  the  two  hemispheres,  we  shall 
conclude  this  digression  by  merely  adding,  that  it  is  the 
misfortune  of  man  to  abuse  the  gifts  of  God,  let  him  live 
in  what  country  or  under  what  institutions  he  may.  Ex- 
cess of  the  description  in  question  is  the  failing  of  every 
people,  nearly  in  proportion  to  their  means  ;  nor  are  there 
any  certain  preventives  against  a  vice  so  destructive,  but 
absolute  want,  or  a  high  cultivation  of  the  reasoning  facul- 
ties. 

He  who  has  accurately  ascertained  how  far  the  people 
of  this  republic  are  behind  or  before  the  inhabitants  of 
other  lands,  in  mental  improvement  and  moral  qualities, 
will  not  be  far  from  the  truth  in  assigning  to  them  a  cor- 
respondent place  in  the  scale  of  sobriety.  It  is  true  that 
many  foreigners  will  be  ready  enough  to  deny  this  position, 
but  we  have  had  abundant  opportunities  of  observing,  that 
all  those  who  visit  our  shores  do  not  come  sufficiently  pre- 
pared, by  observation  at  home,  to  make  just  comparisons, 
and  what  we  have  here  said  has  not  been  ventured  with- 
out years  of  close  and  honest  investigation.  We  shall 
gladly  hail  the  day  when  it  can  be  said,  that  not  an  Ameri- 
can exists,  so  lost  to  himself  as  to  trifle  with  the  noblest 
gift  of  the  Creator  ;  but  we  cannot  see  the  expediency  of 
attaining  an  end,  desirable  even  as  this,  by  the  concession 
of  premises  that  are  false. 


THE  HEIDENMAUER,  97 


CHAPTER  VII. 

**  What  a  thrice-double  ass 
Was  I,  to  take  this  drunkard  for  a  god  !" — Caliban. 

Physical  qualities  are  always  prized  in  proportion  to  the 
value  that  is  attached  to  those  that  are  purely  intellectual. 
So  long  as  power  and  honor  depend  on  the  possession  of 
brute  force,  strength  and  agility  are  endowments  of  the 
last  importance,  on  the  same  principle  that  they  render  the 
tumbler  of  more  account  in  his  troop  ;  and  he  who  has 
ever  had  occasion  to  mingle  much  with  the  brave,  and  sub- 
ject to  a  qualification  that  will  readily  be  understood,  we 
might  add,  the  noble  savages  of  this  continent,  will  have 
remarked  that,  while  the  orators  are  in  general  a  class  who 
have  cultivated  their  art  for  want  of  qualifications  to  excel 
in  that  which  is  deemed  still  more  honorable,  the  first  re- 
quisite in  the  warrior  is  statiii"e  and  muscle.  There  exists 
a  curious  document  to  prove  how  much  even  their  success- 
ors, a  people  in  no  degree  deficient  in  acuteness,  have  been 
subject  to  a  similar  influence.  We  allude  to  a  register  that 
was  made  of  the  thews  and  sinews  among  the  chiefs  of  the 
army  of  Wasliington,  during  the  moment  of  inaction  that 
preceded  the  recognition  of  Independence.  By  this  report 
it  would  seem,  that  the  animal  entered  somewliat  into  the 
ideas  of  our  fathers,  when  they  made  their  original  selec- 
tion of  leaders,  a  circumstance  that  we  attribute  to  the 
veneration  tiiat  man  is  secretly  disposed  to  show  to  physi- 
cal perfection,  until  a  better  training  and  experience  have 
taught  him  there  is  still  a  superior  power.  Our  first  im- 
pressions are  almost  always  received  through  the  senses, 
and  the  connexion  between  martial  prowess  and  animal 
force  seems  so  natural,  that  we  ought  not  to  be  surprised 
that  a  people  so  peaceful  and  unpractised,  in  their  sim- 
plicity, betrayed  a  little  of  this  deference  to  appearances. 
Happily,  if  they  sometimes  put  matter  into  stations  which 
would  have  been  better  filled  by  mind,  the  lionesty  and 
zeal  that  were  so  general  in  the  patriotic  ranks  carried  the 
coiuitry  through  in  triumj^h. 

It  was  a  conscqu(;nce  of  the  liigh  favor  enjo3'ed  by  all 
manly  or  physical  ([ualities  in  the  sixteenth  century,  that 
men  were  even   prized  for  their  excesses.     Thus  he  who 

7 


98  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

could  longest  resist  the  influence  of  liquor  was  deemed,  in 
a  more  limited  sense,  as  much  a  hero  as  he  who  swung  the 
heaviest  mace,  or  pointed  the  surest  cannon  in  battle.  The 
debauch  in  which  the  Abbot  of  Limburg  and  his  neighbor 
Emich  of  Leiningen,  were  now  engaged,  was  one  of  no 
unusual  nature  ;  for,  in  a  country  in  which  prelates  ap- 
peared in  so  many  other  doubtful  characters,  it  should  not 
excite  surprise  that  some  of  the  class  were  willing  to  en- 
gage in  a  strife  that  had  little  danger,  while  it  was  so 
highly  in  favor  with  the  noble  and  the  great. 

The  reader  will  have  seen  that  great  progress  had  been 
made  towards  the  issue  of  the  celebrated  encounter  it  is 
our  duty  to  relate,  even  before  its  precise  object  had  been 
formally  introduced  among  the  contending  parties.  But 
while  the  monks  came  to  the  struggle  apprized  of  its  mo- 
tive, and  prepared  at  all  points  to  maintain  the  reputation 
of  their  ancient  and  hospitable  brotherhood,  the  Count  of 
Leiningen,  with  a  sullen  reliance  on  his  own  powers,  that 
was  somewhat  increased  by  his  contempt  for  priestcraft, 
had  neglected  to  bestow  the  same  care  on  his  auxiliaries. 
It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  add  that  both  the  Abbe  and  the 
Knight  of  Rhodes  had  become  heated  to  garrulousness, 
before  they  perfectly  understood  the  nature  of  the  service 
that  was  expected  at  their  hands,  or,  we  ought  rather  to 
say,  of  their  heads.  With  this  explanation  we  shall  resume 
the  narrative,  taking  up  its  thread  some  two  hours  later 
than  the  moment  when  it  was  last  dropped. 

At  this  particular  juncture  of  the  strife,  Fathers  Sieg- 
fried and  Cuno  had  become  thoroughly  warmed  with  their 
endeavors,  and  habitual  and  profound  respect  for  the  Ab- 
bot was  gradually  giving  way  before  the  quickening  cur- 
rents of  their  blood.  The  eyes  of  the  former  glistened 
with  a  species  of  forensic  ferocity,  for  he  was  ardently  en- 
gaged on  a  controversial  point  with  Albrecht  of  Vieder- 
bach,  all  of  whose  faculties  appeared  to  be  rapidly  exhaling 
with  his  potations.  The  other  Benedictine  and  the  Abbe 
from  time  to  time  mingled  in  the  dispute,  in  the  character 
of  seconds,  while  the  two  most  interested  in  tiie  issue  sat, 
warily  collecting  their  powers,  and  sternly  regarding  eacli 
other,  like  men  who  knew  they  were  not  engaged  in  idle 
sport. 

"This  is  well,  with  thy  tales  of  LTsle  Adam,  and  the 
Ottoman  power,"  continued  Father  Siegfried,  pursuing  th* 
discourse  from  a  point,  beyond  which  we  consider  it  uo 


THE   HEJDENMAUER.  99 

necessary  to  record  all  that  passed — *'  This  will  do  to  re- 
peat to  the  dames  of  our  German  courts,  for  the  journey 
between  tliese  Rhenish  plains  and  yonder  island  of  Rhodes 
is  far,  and  few  are  inclined  to  make  it,  in  order  to  convict 
thy  chiefs  of  neglect,  or  their  sworn  followers  of  forgetful- 
ness  of  their  vows." 

"  By  the  quality  of  my  order  !  reverend  Benedictine, 
thou  pushest  words  to  unseemliness!  Is  it  not  enough, 
that  the  chosen  and  the  gentlest  of  Europe  should  devote 
soul  and  body  to  services  that  would  better  become  thy 
lazy  order — that  all  that  is  noble  and  brave  should  aban- 
don the  green  fields  and  pleasant  rivers  of  their  native 
lands,  to  endure  hot  suns  and  sultry  winds  from  Africa,  in 
order  to  keep  the  unbeliever  in  his  limits,  but  they  must 
be  taunted  with  gibes  like  these  ?  Go,  count  the  graves 
and  number  the  living,  if  thou  wouldst  learn  the  manner 
in  which  our  illustrious  master  held  out  against  Solyman, 
or  wouldst  know  the  services  of  his  knights  !  " 

"  It  would  sound  ill  in  thy  ears,  were  I  to  bid  thee  enter 
purgatory,  to  inquire  into  the  fruits  of  our  masses  and 
prayers,  and  yet  one  and  the  other  are  equally  easy  to  per- 
form. Thou  knowest  well,  that  Rhodes  is  no  longer  a 
Christian  island,  and  that  none  bearing  the  cross  dare 
be  seen  on  its  shores.  Go  to,  Count  Albrecht,  thy  order  is 
fallen  into  disuse,  and  it  is  better  where  it  is,  hid  beneath 
the  snowy  mountains  of  the  country  of  Nice,  than  it  might 
be  in  the  front  ranks  of  Christendom.  There  is  not  a  crone 
in  Germany  that  does  not  bewail  the  backsliding  of  an  or- 
der so  esteemed  of  old,  or  a  maiden  that  does  not  speak 
lightly  of  its  deeds!" 

"Heavenly  patience!  hcarest  thou  this.  Monsieur  La- 
touche  ?  and  from  the  mouth  of  a  chanting  Benedictine, 
who  passeth  his  days  between  safe  walls  of  stone,  here  in 
the  heart  of  the  Palatinate,  and  his  nights  on  a  warm  pallet, 
beyond  sound  even  of  the  rushing  winds,  unless,  in  sooth, 
he  be  not  sent  on  offices  of  midnight  charity  among  the 
believing  wives  (jf  the  faithful!" 

'*  B(jy  !  dost  presume  to  scandalize  the  Church,  and  dare 
its  anger?"  demanded  Bonifacius,  in  a  voice  of  thunder. 

"Reverend  Abbot,"  answered  Albrecht,  crossing  him- 
self, iox  habit  and  policy  ccpially  held  liim  subject  to  the 
predominant  authority  of  the  age,  "the  liltle  I  say  is  more 
directed  to  the  man  than  to  his  cloth." 

"  Let  him  give  utterance  to  all  he  fancies,"  interrupted 


loo  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

the  wily  Siegfried.  "  Is  not  a  knight  of  Rhodes  immacu- 
late, and  shall  we  refuse  him  right  of  speech  ? " 

"  It  is  held  at  the  court  of  tiie  chivalrous  Valois,"  ob- 
served the  Abbe,  who  perceived  it  was  necessary  to  inter- 
fere, in  order  to  preserve  the  peace,  "that  the  defence  of 
Rhodes  was  of  exceeding  valor,  and  few  survived  it,  who 
did  not  meet  with  high  honors  from  Christian  hands.  We 
have  seen  numberless  of  the  brave  knights  among  us,  in 
the  most  esteemed  houses  of  Paris,  and  at  the  merry  castle 
of  Fontainebleau,  and  believe  me,  none  were  more  sought 
or  better  honored.  The  scars  of  even  Marignano  and  of 
Pavia  are  less  prized  than  those  given  by  the  hands  of  the 
infidel." 

"  Thou  dost  well,  my  learned  and  self-denying  brother," 
answered  Siegfried,  with  a  sneer,  ''  to  remind  us  of  the 
fight  of  Pavia,  and  of  thy  great  master's  present  abode  ! 
Are  these  tidings  of  late  from  the  Castiles,  or  is  it  not 
permitted  to  thy  prince  to  dispatch  couriers  to  his  own 
capital  ? " 

"  Nay,  reverend  monk,  thou  pressest  with  unkind  allu- 
sions, and  forgettest  that,  like  thee,  we  are  both  servitors 
of  the  Church." 

"  We  count  thee  not — one  nor  the  other.  Martyred  St. 
Peter  !  what  would  become  of  thy  keys  were  they  intrust- 
ed to  the  keeping  of  such  hands  I — Go,  doff  thy  vanities — 
lay  aside  that  attire  of  velvet,  if  though  wouldst  be  known 
as  of  the  flock." 

"  Master  Latouche,"  exclaimed  Emich,  who  w^as  boiling 
with  indignation,  but  who  preserved  his  self-command  in 
order  to  circulate  the  cups,  and  to  see  that  each  man  did 
true  service  in  the  prescribed  contest,  "  tell  him  of  liis 
brother  of  Wittenberg,  and  of  these  late  doings  in  the 
hive.  •  Stick  that  thorn  into  his  side,  and  thou  shalt  see 
him  shrink  like  a  jaded  and  galled  steed  under  a  pointed 
spur !  Who  art  thou,  and  why  dost  thou  disturb  my 
pleasures  ? " 

This  sudden  interruption  of  himself  was  addressed  by 
the  baron  to  a  youth,  in  neat  but  modest  attire,  who  had 
just  entered  the  banqueting-room,  and  wiio,  passing  by  the 
menial  that  filled  the  glasses  at  the  beck  of  his  master's 
hand,  now  stood,  with  a  firm  but  respectful  mien,  at  the 
elbow  of  the  speaker. 

"'Tis  Berchthold,  my  lord's  forester.  They  bid  me  come 
to  do  your  pleasure,  noble  Count." 


THE   I/KIDEXMAUER.  loi 

"  Thou  art  seasonably  arrived  to  keep  the  peace  between 
a  sworn  knight  of  Rhodes  and  a  garrulous  monk  of  Lim- 
burg.     Tliis  reverend  Abbot  would  do  thee  favor,  boy." 

Berchthold  bowed  respectfully,  and  turned  towards  the 
prelate. 

"  Thou  art  the  orphan  of  our  ancient  liegeman,  he  who 
bore  thy  name,  and  was  well  esteemed  among  the  towns- 
men of  Duerckheim  ?" 

"  I  am  the  son  of  him  your  reverence  means,  but  that 
he  was  liegeman  of  any  of  Limburg,  I  deny." 

''  Bravely  answered,  boy!"  shouted  Emich,  striking  his 
fist  on  the  table  so  hard  as  to  threaten  destruction  to  all  it 
held  :  "  Aye,  and  as  becomes  thy  master's  follower!  Hast 
enough.  Father  Bonifacius,  or  wilt  dip  deeper  into  the 
youth's  catechism  ? " 

"  The  young  man  has  been  tutored  to  respect  his  pres- 
ent ease,"  returned  the  Abbot,  affecting  indifference 
equally  to  the  exultation  of  the  Count  and  to  the  disre- 
spect of  his  forester.  "  When  he  next  comes  to  our  con- 
fessionals, there  will  be  occasion  to  give  him  other  school- 

ing." 

"God's  truth!  that  hour  may  never  happen.  We  are 
half  disposed  to  live  on  in  our  sins,  and  to  take  soldier's  fort- 
une, in  these  stirring  times,  which  is  ever  the  chance  of 
sudden  death,  without  the  Church's  passport.  We  are  fast 
getting  of  this  mind — are  we  not,  brave  Berchthold  ?  " 

The  youth  bowed  respectfully,  but  without  answering, 
for  he  saw  by  the  inflamed  countenances  and  swimming 
eyes  of  all  at  the  table,  that  the  moment  was  one  in  which 
explanations  would  be  useless.  Had  it  been  possible  to 
doubt  the  cause  of  the  scene  he  witnessed,  the  manner  in 
which  glass  after  glass  was  swallowed,  at  the  will  of  the 
cup-bearer,  wcnild  have  explained  its  nature.  But,  far  ad- 
vanced as  Father  Bonifacius  had  now  become  in  inebriety, 
in  common  with  the  other  guests,  he  retained  enough  of 
his  faculties,  to  see  that  the  words  of  Emich  contained  an 
allusion  of  a  dangerously  heretical  character. 

"Thou  art  resolved  to  despise  our  counsel  and  our  warn- 
ings!" he  exclaimed,  glancing  fiercely  at  one  and  the 
other.  "  'Twere  better  to  say  at  once,  that  thy  wish  is  to 
sec  the  walls  of  Limburg  Abbey  lying  on  the  side  of  Lim- 
burg hill." 

"  Nay,  reverend  and  honored  priest,  thou  pushcst  a  few 
hasty  words  beyond  their  meaning.     What  is  it  to  a  Count 


I02  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

of  the  noble  house  of  Leiningen,  that  a  few  monks  find 
shelter  for  their  heads,  and  ease  for  their  souls,  beneath  a 
consecrated  roof  within  cannon-shot  of  his  own  towers.  If 
thy  walls  do  not  tumble  until  hand  of  mine  helps  to  unset- 
tle them,  they  may  stand  till  the  fallen  x\ngel  that  set  them 
up,  shall  aid  in  their  overthrow.  Truly,  Father  Bonifacius, 
for  a  godly  community,  this  tale  of  thy  sanctuary's  origin 
makes  it  of  none  of  the  best  parentage  !  " 

"  Hear  ye  that ! "  sputtered  Albrecht  of  Viederbach, 
who,  though  his  tongue  had  continued  to  sound  a  sort  of 
irregular  accompaniment  to  his  cousin's  speeciies,  was 
no  longer  able  to  articulate  clearly — "  Hear  ye  that!  imp 
of  St.  Benedict !  The  devil  set  ye  up,  and  the  devil  will 
be  your  downfall.  L'Isle  Adam  is  a  saint  to  thy  holiest ; 
and  his— good — sword " 

At  this  word,  the  Knight  of  Rhodes  succumbed,  losing 
Ins  balance  in  an  animated  effort  to  gesticulate,  and  fairly 
falling  under  the  table,  A  sarcastic  smile  crossed  the  Ab- 
bot's face,  at  this  overthrow  of  one  of  his  adversaries,  while 
Emich  scowled  in  disdain  at  the  ignoble  exhibition  made 
by  his  kinsman  ;  who,  finding  it  impossible  to  rise,  re- 
signed himself  to  sleep  on  the  spot  where  he  had  fallen. 

"  Swallow  thy  Rhenish,  monk,  and  count  not  on  the  slight 
advantage  thou  hast  got  in  the  overthrow  of  that  prating 
fool,"  said  the  host,  whose  tones  grew  less  and  less  ami- 
cable, as  the  plot  thickened — "  But  to  a  more  fitting  sub- 
ject ;  Berchthold  is  worthy  of  his  lord,  and  is  a  youth  that 
thinks  of  things  as  things  appear.  We  may  quit  thy  con- 
fessionals for  divers  reasons,  as  thou  knowest.  Here  is  the 
Monk  of  Erfurth  !  Ha  !  what  think  you  of  his  new  teach- 
ing, and  of  the  manner  in  which  he  advises  the  faithful  to 
come  to  the  altar  ?  You  have  had  him  at  Rome,  and  at 
Worms,  and  among  ye  in  many  councils,  yet  the  honest 
man  stands  fast  in  all  reasonable  opinions.  Thou  hast  heard 
of  Luther,  is  it  not  so,  young  Berchthold  ? " 

*'  'Tis  certain,  my  Lord  Count,  that  few  in  the  Jaerger- 
thal  escape  the  tidings  of  his  name." 

"  Then  are  they  in  danger  of  a  most  damnable  heresy  ! " 
interrupted  Bonifacius,  in  a  voice  of  thunder.  "Why  tell 
me  of  this  driveller  of  Erfurth,  Lord  Emich,  if  thou  art 
not  in  secret  praying  that  his  rebellious  wishes  may  pros- 
per at  the  Church's  cost!  But  we  mark  thee,  irreverent 
Count,  and  hard  and  griping  penance  may  yet  purge  thee 
of  these  prurient  fancies — "     Here  the  Abbot,  inflamed  as 


THE   IIK/DE.VMA  rEA\ 


iP3 


he  was  with  wine  and  resentment,  paused  ;  for  the  silent 
monk,  Father  Cuno,  fell  from  his  seat  like  a  soldier  shot 
in  battle  ;  the  simple  inferior  having  entered  into  the  trial 
of  heads,  more  with  a  relish  for  the  liquor  than  with  any- 
thought  of  victory,  and  having,  in  consequence,  done  so 
much  honor  to  the  potations,  as  to  become  an  easy  sacri- 
fice to  the  common  enemy.  The  Abbot  looked  at  his  pros- 
trate follower  with  grim  indifference,  showing  by  his  hard, 
scowling,  and  angry  eye,  that  he  deemed  the  loss  of  little 
moment  to  the  main  result.  "  What  matters  the  impo- 
tency  of  a  fool  !  "  he  muttered,  turning  away  to  his  princi- 
pal and  only  dangerous  opponent,  with  a  full  return  of  all 
his  angry  feelings  : — "  Tliat  the  devils  are  suffered  to  gain 
a  momentary  and  specious  triumph,  we  are  well  aware, 
Baron  of  Hartenburg " 

"By  my  father's  bones,  proud  priest,  but  thou  strangely 
forgettest  thyself!  Am  I  not  a  prince  of  Leiningen,  that 
one  of  the  cowl  should  please  to  call  me  less  ? " 

"  I  should  have  said  the  Summer  Landgrave  !  "  answered 
Bonifacius  sneeringly,  for  long-smothered  hatred  was 
beginning  to  break  through  the  feeble  barriers  that  their 
reeling  faculties  still  preserv^ed.  "  I  crave  pardon  of  your 
highness  ;  but  a  short  reign  leaves  brief  recollections. 
Even  thy  subjects,  illustrious  Emich,  may  be  forgiven,  that 
they  know  not  their  sovereign's  title.  The  coronet  that  is 
worn  from  June  to  September  scarce  gets  the  fit  of  the 
head !  " 

"  It  was  worn  longer,  Abbot,  than  ever  head  of  thine  will 
wear  a  saintly  crown.  But  I  forget  my  ancient  house,  and 
the  forbearance  due  to  a  guest,  in  honest  anger  at  an  artful 
and  malignant  monk  !" 

Bonifacius  bowed  with  seeming  composure,  and  while 
each  appeared  to  recover  his  moderation,  in  a  misty  recol- 
lection of  the  true  affair  in  hand,  the  dialogue  between  the 
Abbe  and  Father  Siegfried,  which  iiad  been  drowned  by 
the  stentorian  lungs  (jf  the  principal  disputants,  broke  out 
in  the  momentary  pause. 

"Thou  sayest  true,  reverend  father,"  said  the  former, 
"but  were  our  fair  and  sprigiitly  dames  of  France  to  per- 
f(jrm  these  pilgrimages  to  distant  shrines,  of  which  thou 
spcakest,  rude  treatment  in  the  wayfaring,  evil  company, 
and,  haply,  designing  confessors,  migiu  tarnish  the  present 
lustre  of  their  graces,  and  leave  them  less  ornaments  to 
our  brilliant  and  gallant  court  than  they  at  present  prove. 


I04  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

No,  I  espouse  no  such  dangerous  opinions,  but  endeavor, 
by  gentle  persuasion  and  courtly  arguments,  to  lead  their 
precious  souls  nearer  to  the  heaven  they  so  well  merit, 
and  which  it  were  scarce  impious  to  say  they  will  so  rarely 
become." 

*'This  may  be  well  for  the  towering  fancies  of  thy 
French  imaginations,  but  our  slower  German  minds  must 
be  dealt  with  differently.  By  the  mass!  I  would  give  little 
for  the  success  of  the  confessor,  that  should  deal  only  in 
persuasive  and  gentle  discourse  !  Here,  we  throw  our 
manifold  hints  of  damnation,  in  plainer  speech." 

"  I  condemn  no  usage  on  speculation,  Benedictine  ;  but 
truly  this  directness  of  condemnation  would  be  thought 
indecorous  in  our  more  refined  presences.  As  yet,  thou 
wilt  acknowledge,  we  are  less  tainted  with  heresies  than 
thy  northern  courts." 

Here  the  deep  voice  of  Emich,  who  had  recovered  a 
little  self-command,  again  drowned  the  by-play  of  the 
subordinates. 

*'  We  are  not  children,  most  reverend  Bonifacius,"  he  re- 
sumed, "  to  irritate  ourselves  with  names.  That  I  have  been 
denied  the  honors  and  rights  of  my  birth  and  line,  for  one 
come  of  no  direct  descent,  is  admitted  ;  but  let  it  be  for- 
gotten. Thou  art  welcome  to  my  board,  and  there  is  no 
dignitary  of  the  church,  or  of  thy  brotherhood,  that  I  es- 
teem more  than  thee  and  thine,  within  a  hard  ride  of  these 
towers.  Let  us  be  friends,  holy  Abbot,  and  drink  to  our 
loving  graces." 

'*  Count  Emich,  I  pledge  thee,  and  pray  for  thee,  as  thou 
meritest.  If  there  have  been  misunderstandings  between 
our  convent  and  thy  house,  they  have  come  of  the  mis- 
guiding of  the  devil.  We  are  a  peaceful  community,  and 
one  given  more  to  prayer  and  a  just  hospitality  than  to 
any  grasping  desire  to  enrich  our  coffers." 

"  On  these  points  we  will  not  dwell,  father,  for  it  is  not 
easy  for  baron  and  abbot,  layman  and  priest,  to  see  at  all 
times  with  the  same  eyes.  I  would  that  this  question  of 
authority  in  Duerckheim  were  fairly  disposed  of,  that  there 
might  always  be  good  neighborhood  in  the  valley.  Our 
hills  shut  in  no  wide  plain,  like  yon  of  the  river,  that  we 
must  needs  turn  the  little  level  land  we  have  into  a  battle- 
ground. By  the  mass,  most  holy  Abbot,  but  thou  wouldst 
do  well  to  dismiss  the  Elector's  troops,  and  trust  this  mat- 
ter between  us  to  gentle  and  friendly  argument." 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  105 

**  If  it  were  the  last  prnyer  I  uttered  before  passing  into 
the  fruition  of  a  self-denying  and  holy  life,  princely  Emich, 
thy  wish  should  not  want  support  !  Have  we  not  often 
professed  a  willingness  to  refer  the  question  to  the  Holy 
Father,  or  any  other  high  church  authority,  that  can  fit- 
tingly take  cognizance  of  so  knotty  a  point.  Less  than 
this  arbitration  would  scarce  become  our  apostolic  mis- 
sion." 

''  God's  truth  !  mein  Herr  Wilhclm,  but  ye  are  too 
grasping  for  those  who  mortify  the  flesh  !  Is  it  meet,  I 
ask  ye,  that  a  goodly  number  of  valiant  and  pains-taking 
burghers  should  be  led  by  shaven  crowns  in  the  day  of 
strife,  in  fair  and  foul,  evil  and  good,  like  so  many  worth- 
less women,  who,  having  lived  in  the  idleness  and  vanities 
of  gossip  and  backbiting,  are  fain  to  hope  that  their  sex's 
sins  may  be  hid  beneath  a  monk's  frock  ?  Give  me  up, 
therefore,  this  question  of  Duerckheim,  and  certain  other 
rights  that  might  be  fairly  written  out,  and  the  saints  in 
Paradise  shall  not  live  in  more  harmony  than  we  of  the 
Jaegerthal." 

"Truly,  Lord  Emich,  the  means  of  fitting  us  for  the 
heavenly  state  thou  namest  have  not  been  forgotten,  since 
thou  hast  made  a  purgatory  of  the  valley  these  many  years 


"  By  the  mass,  priest,  thou  again  pushest  thy  remarks 
beyond  discreet  speech  !  In  what  manner  have  I  done 
aught  to  bring  this  scandal  on  the  neighborhood,  beyond 
a  mere  forctlunight  to  mine  own  interest.  Hast  thou  not 
(jpened  thy  abbey-gates  to  receive  armed  and  irreligious 
men  ? — are  not  thy  ears  hourly  wounded  by  rude  oaths, 
and  thy  eyes  affronted  by  sights  tliat  should  be  thought 
unseemly  in  a  sanctuary  ? — \ay,  that  tluui  maycst  not 
suppose  I  am  ignorant  of  thy  hidden  intentions,  do  not  the 
armed  bands  of  Duke  Friedrichlie  at  watch,  this  very  mo- 
ment, within  thy  cloisters?" 

"  We  have  a  just  caution  oi  our  riglits  and  cjf  the  churcli's 
honor,"  answered  Bonifacius,  who  scarce  endeavored  to 
conceal  the  contemi)tuous  smile  the  question  excited. 

"  Believe  me,  Abbot  of  Limburg,  so  far  from  being  the 
enemy  of  our  holy  religion,  I  am  its  sworn  friend  ;  else 
should  I  long  since  have  joined  the  proselytes  of  this 
brother  Luther,  and  have  done  thee  harm  openly." 

"  'Twere  better  than  to  pray  at  our  altars  by  day,  and  to 
plot  their  fall  at  night." 


io6  THE    HEIDENMAUER. 

"  I  swear  by  the  life  of  the  Emperor  that  thou  urgest 
me  too  far,  haughty  priest !  " 

The  clamor  created  by  the  Abbe  and  Father  Siegfried 
here  caused  the  two  principal  speakers  to  direct  their  at- 
tention, for  the  moment,  to  the  secondary  combatants. 
From  a  courtly  dispute,  the  argument  had  got  to  be  so  con- 
fused and  warm,  between  the  latter,  that  each  raised  his 
voice  in  a  vain  endeavor  to  drown  that  of  his  adversary. 
It  was  but  an  instant  before  the  whirling  senses  of  M. 
Latouche,  who  had  only  maintained  his  present  place  in 
the  debauch  by  fraud,  gave  way  to  so  rude  an  assault,  and 
he  staggered  to  a  settee,  where,  gesticulating  wildly,  he  soon 
sunk  at  his  length,  unable  to  lift  his  head.  Father  Siegfried 
witnessed  the  retreat  of  his  mercurial  foe  with  a  grin  of 
exultation  ;  then  he  raised  a  ferocious  shout,  which,  coming 
from  lungs  that  had  so  lately  chanted  to  the  honor  of  God, 
caused  the  young  Berchthold  to  sluidder  with  horror.  But 
the  glazed  eyes  of  the  monk,  and  his  failing  countenance, 
betrayed  an  inability  to  endure  more.  After  staring  wild- 
ly about  him,  with  the  unmeaning  idiocy  of  a  drunkard, 
he  settled  himself  in  his  chair,  and  closed  his  eyes  in  the 
heavy  sleep  that  nature  unwillingly  furnishes  to  those  who 
abuse  her  gifts. 

The  Abbot  and  the  Count  witnessed  the  manner  in 
which  their  respective  seconds  were  thus  put  hors  de  combat ^ 
in  sullen  silence.  Their  growing  w^armth,  and  the  feelings 
excited  by  the  mention  of  their  several  grievances,  had  in- 
sensibly drawn  their  attention  from  the  progress  of  the 
contest,  but  each  now  regained  a  certain  glimpse  of  its 
nature  and  of  its  results  ;  the  recollection  served  to  recall 
the  temper  of  both,  for  they  were  too  well  practised  in 
these  scenes  not  to  understand  the  value  of  presence  of 
mind  in  maintaining  the  command  of  their  faculties. 

"  Our  brother  Siegfried  hath  yielded  to  the  frailties  of 
nature,  noble  Emich,"  resumed  Boniface,  smiling  as  plac- 
idly on  his  remaining  companion,  as  flushed  features  and 
a  heated  eye  would  permit.  "  The  flesh  of  priest  can  en- 
dure no  more  than  that  of  layman,  else  would  he  have  seen 
thy  flasks  drained  of  the  last  drop,  for  better  intention 
never  filled  grateful  heart,  in  doing  honor  to  the  gifts  of 
Providence." 

"  Aye,  thou  passest  thy  debauches  to  the  account  of  this 
subtilty,  while  we  of  the  sword.  Master  Abbot,  sin  to-night, 
and  ask   forgiveness   to-morrow,  without   other   pretence 


THE   HEIDEXMA  UER. 


107 


than  our  pleasures.  But  the  hood  of  a  monk  is  a  mask, 
and  he  who  wears  it  thinks  he  hath  a  right  to  the  benefit  of 
the  disguise.  I  would  I  knew,  to  a  bodice,  the  number  of 
burghers'  wives  thou  hast  shrived  since  Corpus  Domini !  " 

*'Jest  not  wdth  the  secrets  of  the  confessional,  Count 
Emich  ;  the  subject  is  too  sacred  for  profane  tongues. 
There  has  been  bitter  penance  for  greater  than  thou  !  " 

''Nay,  mistake  me  not,  holy  Abbot,"  returned  the  baron, 
hurriedly  crossing  himself;  "but  your  bold  talkers  say 
there  is  discontent  in  Duerckheim  on  this  point,  and  I 
deem  it  friendly  to  communicate  the  accusations  of  the 
enemy.  This  is  a  moment  in  which  our  German  monks 
are  in  danger  ;  for,  in  sooth,  thy  brother  of  Erfurth  is  no 
driveller  in  his  cry  against  Rome." 

The  eye  of  FatherBoniface  flashed  fire,  for  none  are  so 
quick  to  meet,  or  so  violent  to  resent  attacks,  on  what  they 
consider  their  rights,  as  those  who  have  long  been  per- 
mitted to  enjoy  monopolies,  however  frail  or  unjust  may 
be  the  tenure  of  their  possession. 

"  In  thy  heart,  rude  Emich,  thou  clingest  to  the 
heresy  ! "  he  said  ;  "  Beware,  in  what  manner  thou  castest 
the  weight  of  thy  example  and  name  into  tlie  scale  against 
the  commands  of  God  and  the  authority  of  the  Church  ! 
As  for  this  Luther,  a  backsliding  wretch,  that  unquiet 
ambition  and  love  for  a  professed  but  misguided  nun, 
having  urged  to  rebellion,  the  devils  are  rejoicing  in  his 
iniquity,  and  imps  of  darkness  stand  ready  to  riot  in  his 
final  and  irretrievable  fall." 

"  By  the  mass  !  Father,  to  a  plain  soldier  it  seemeth  bet- 
ter to  wive  the  sister  honestly,  than  to  give  all  this  scandal 
in  Duerckheim,  and  otherwise  to  do  violence  to  the  peace 
of  families  on  the  fair  plains  of  the  Palatinate.  If  Brother 
Luther  hath  done  no  more  than  thou  sayest  here,  he  hath 
fairly  cheated  Satan,  which  is  what  thy  community  did  of 
old,  when  it  got  the  evil  spirit  to  aid  in  raising  thy  chapel, 
and  then,  with  no  great  regard  to  a  debtor's  obligations, 
sent  him  away  penniless." 

"Were  the  truth  known,  Emich,  I  fear  it  would  be  found 
that  thou  hast  faitii  in  this  silly  legend  !" 

"  If  thou  hast  not  outwitted  the  devil,  priest,  it  hath 
been  that  his  prudence  hatli  kept  him  from  bargaining 
with  those  he  knows  to  be  his  betters  in  cunning.  IJy  tlie 
rood  !  'twas  a  bold  spirit  that  would  grapple,  wit  to  wit, 
with  the  monks  of  Limburij  !  " 

O 


io8  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

Disdain  kept  the  Abbot  from  answering,  for  he  was  too 
superior  to  vulgar  tradition  to  feel  even  resentment  at  an 
imputation  of  this  kind.  His  host  perceived  that  he 
was  losing  ground,  and  he  began  to  see,  by  the  manner  in 
which  his  senses  were  slowly  receding,  that  he  was  in  im- 
minent danger  of  forfeiting  the  important  stake  that  now 
depended  wholly  on  his  powers  of  endurance.  The  Abbot 
had  a  well-earned  reputation  of  having  the  strongest  head 
of  all  the  churchmen  of  the  Palatinate,  and  Count  Emich, 
who  was  nowise  wanting  in  physical  excellence  of  this 
sort,  began  to  feel  that  species  of  failing  which  is  com- 
monly the  forerunner,  as  it  is  often  the  cause,  of  defeat. 
He  swallowed  bumper  after  bumper,  with  a  reckless  de- 
sire to  overwhelm  his  antagonist,  without  thought  of  the 
inroads  that  he  was  producing  on  his  own  faculties.  Boni- 
facius,  who  saw  and  felt  his  superiority,  willingly  in- 
dulged his  antagonist  in  this  feverish  desire  to  drive  the 
struggle  to  a  premature  issue,  and  several  glasses  were 
taken  in  a  sort  of  sullen  defiance,  without  a  syllable  issu- 
ing from  the  lips  of  either.  In  this  strait,  the  Count 
turned  his  swimming  eyes  towards  the  attendants,  in  a 
vague  hope  that  they  who  served  liim  so  faithfully  on 
ordinary  occasions,  might  aid  him  in  the  present  desperate 
emergency. 

Young  Berchthold  Hintermayer  stood  near  his  lord,  in 
respectful  attendance  on  his  pleasure,  for  habit  prevented 
liim  from  withdrawing  without  an  order.  Enough  had 
fallen  from  the  p^^rties  in  this  singular  contest  to  let  him 
into  the  secret  of  its  object.  He  appeared  to  understand 
the  appeal,  and  advancing  to  do  the  office  of  cup-bearer,  a 
duty  that  in  truth  required  some  such  interference,  for  he 
who  should  have  discharged  it  had  been  too  diligently 
imitating  those  at  the  board  to  be  able  any  longer  to 
acquit  himself  with  propriety  of  his  functions. 

"  If  my  Lord  Abbot  would  but  relieve  the  passing 
time,"  said  Berchthold,  as  he  poured  out  the  wine,  "  by 
descanting  more  at  large  on  this  heresy,  he  might  be  the 
instrument  of  saving  a  doubting  soul  ;  I  freely  confess, 
that  for  one,  I  find  much  reason  to  distrust  the  faith  of  my 
fathers." 

This  was  attacking  the  Abbot  on  his  weakest,  not  to  say 
his  only  vulnerable,  point. 

'*  Thou  shalt  smart  for  this,  bold  boy  !  "  he  cried,  striking 
the  table  with  a  clenched  fist.     "  Thou  harborest  heresies, 


THE  IIEIDEN'MAUER.  109 

unfledged  and  paltry  rcasoner  on  apostolic  missions  !  'Tis 
well — 'tis  well — the  impudent  avowal  is  noted  !  " 

Emich  made  a  sign  of  gratitude,  for  in  his  rage  the  priest 
took  a  heavy  draught,  unconscious  of  what  he  was  about. 

"Nay,  my  lord,  the  most  reverend  Abbot  will  pardon 
imprudent  speech  in  one  little  gifted  in  knowledge  of  tliis 
sort.  Were  it  to  strike  a  wild  boar,  or  to  stop  a  roebuck, 
or  haply  to  do  harm  to  my  master's  enemies,  this  hand 
might  prove  of  some  account  ;  but  is  it  matter  of  fair  sur- 
prise that  we  of  simple  wit  should  be  confounded,  when 
the  most  learned  of  Germany  are  at  a  loss  what  to  believe  ? 
I  liave  heard  it  said,  that  Master  Luther  made  noble  answers 
in  all  the  councils,  and  wise  bodies,  in  which  he  hath  of 
late  appeared." 

"  He  spoke  with  the  tongue  of  Lucifer  !  "  roared  the 
Abbot,  fairly  frothing  wnth  the  violence  of  ungovernable 
rage.  "Whence  cometh  this  new  and  late-discovered  re- 
ligion ?  Of  what  stock  and  root  is  it  ?  Why  hath  it  been 
so  long  hid,  and  where  is  its  early  history  ?  Doth  it  mount 
to  Peter  and  Paul,  or  is  it  the  invention  of  modern  arro- 
gance and  rank  conceit  ?  " 

"  Nay,  father,  the  same  might  be  asked  of  Rome  itself, 
before  Rome  knew  an  apostle.  The  tree  is  not  less  a  tree 
after  it  hath  been  trimmed  of  its  decayed  branches,  though 
it  may  be  more  comely." 

Father  Bonifacius  was  both  acute  and  learned,  and,  under 
ordinary  circumstances,  even  the  monk  of  Wittenberg 
might  have  found  him  a  stubborn  and  subtle  casuist ;  but 
in  his  actual  condition,  the  most  sophistical  remark,  if  it 
had  but  tlie  aspect  of  reason,  was  likely  to  inflame  liim. 
Thus  assailed,  therefore,  he  exhibited  an  awful  picture  of 
the  ferocity  of  human  passions  when  brutalized  by  indul- 
gence. His  eyes  seemed  starting  from  his  head,  his  lips 
quivered,  and  his  tongue  refused  its  functions.  He  was 
now  in  the  predicament  in  which  the  Count  had  so  lately 
stood  ;  and,  though  he  foresaw  the  consequences,  with  the 
desperation  of  an  inebriated  man,  he  sought  the  renewal 
of  liis  forces  in  the  very  agent  which  had  undermined  them. 
Count  Emich  himself  was  pnst  intelligible  utterance,  but 
eloquence  not  being  his  strongest  arm,  he  still  maintained 
sufficient  conmiand  of  his  ])hysical  powers  to  continue  tiie 
conflict.  He  flourished  his  hand  in  defiance,  and  muttered 
words  that  seemed  to  breathe  hatred  and  scorn.  In  this 
manner  did  a  noble  of  an  illustrious  and  princely  house, 


no  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

and  a  mitred  prelate  of  the  church,  stand  at  bay,  with  little 
oth':r  consciousness  of  the  existence  of  the  nobler  faculties 
of  their  being  than  that  connected  with  the  common  mer- 
cenary object  which  had  induced  this  trial  of  endurance. 

"  The  Church's  malediction  on  ye  all  !  "  Boniface  at 
length  succeeded  in  uttering  : — then  falling  back  in  his  el- 
bowed and  well-cushioned  chair,  he  yielded  his  faculties  to 
the  sinister  influence  of  the  liquor  he  had  swallowed. 

When  Emich  of  Leiningen  witnessed  the  overthrow  of 
his  last  antagonist,  a  gleam  of  intelligence  and  triumph 
shot  from  beneath  his  shaggy  brows.  By  a  desperate 
effort  he  raised  himself,  and  stretching  forth  an  arm,  he 
gained  possession  of  the  deed  by  which  the  community  of 
Limburg  formally  released  its  claims  upon  the  products  of 
the  disputed  vineyards.  Arising,  with  the  air  of  one  ac- 
customed to  command  even  in  his  cups,  he  signed  for  his 
forester  to  approach,  and  aided  by  his  young  and  nervous 
arm,  he  tottered  from  the  room,  leaving  tlie  banqueting- 
hall,  like  a  deserted  field,  a  revolting  picture  of  human  in- 
firmity in  its  degradation  and  neglect. 

As  the  Count  fell  heavily  upon  his  couch,  clad  as  he  had 
been  at  table,  he  shook  the  parchment  towards  his  young 
attendant,  till  the  folds  rattled.  Then  closing  his  eyes,  his 
deep  and  troubled  breathing  soon  announced  that  the  victor 
of  this  debauch  lay  like  the  vanquished,  unconscious,  fever- 
ish, and  unmanned. 

Thus  terminated  the  well-known  debauch  of  Harten- 
burg,  a  feat  of  physical  endurance  on  the  part  of  the  stout 
baron  who  prevailed,  that  gained  him  little  less  renown 
among  the  boon  companions  of  the  Palatinate  than  he 
would  have  reaped  from  a  victory  in  the  field ;  and  which, 
strange  as  it  may  now  appear,  derogated  but  little  from 
any  of  the  qualities  of  the  vanquished. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


"And  from  the  latticed  gallery  came  a  chant 
Of  psalms,  most  saint-like,  most  angelical, 
Verse  after  verse  sung  out  most  holily," — Rogers. 

The  succeeding  day  was  the  Sabbath.  The  morning  of 
the  weekly  festival  was  always  announced  to  the  peasants 
of   the  Jaegcrthal  with  the  usual  summons  to  devotion. 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  in 

The  matin  bell  had  been  heard  on  the  abbey  walls,  even 
before  the  light  penetrated  to  the  bottom  of  the  deep  vale  ; 
and  all  the  pious  had  bent,  in  common,  wherever  the 
sounds  happened  to  reach  their  ears,  in  praise  and  thanks- 
giving. But  as  the  hours  wore  on,  a  more  elevated  display 
of  Roman  worship  was  prepared  in  the  high  mass,  a  cere- 
mony addressed  equally  to  the  feelings  and  the  senses. 

The  sun  was  fairly  above  the  hills,  and  the  season  bland 
to  seduction.  Tlie  domestic  cattle,  relieved  from  their 
weekly  toil,  basked  against  the  hill-side,  ruminating  in  con- 
tentment, and  filled  with  the  quiet  pleasures  of  their  in- 
stinct. Children  gambolled  before  the  cottage  doors  ;  the 
husbandman  loitered,  in  the  habiliments  that  had  borne 
the  fashions  of  the  Haard  through  many  generations,  re- 
garding the  silent  growth  of  his  crops,  and  the  housewife 
hurried  from  place  to  place,  in  the  excitement  of  simple  do- 
mestic enjoyment.  The  month  was  the  most  grateful  of  the 
twelve,  and  well  filled  with  hopes.  The  grass  had  reached 
its  height,  and  was  throwing  out  its  exubera.nce,  the  corn 
was  filling  fast,  and  the  vine  began  to  give  forth  its  clus- 
ters. 

In  the  midst  of  this  scene  of  rural  tranquillity,  the  deep- 
toned  bells  of  the  abbey  called  the  llock  to  its  usual  fold. 
Long  practice  had  made  the  brotherhood  of  Limburg  ex- 
pert in  all  the  duties  that  were  necessary  to  the  earthly 
administration  of  their  functions.  Even  the  peals  of  tlie 
bells  were  regulated  and  skilful.  Note  mournfully  suc- 
ceeded note,  and  there  was  not  a  silent  dell,  for  miles,  into 
which  the  solemn  call  did  not  penetrate.  Bells  were  heard 
too  from  Duerckheim,  and  even  from  the  wide  plains  be- 
yond ;  but  none  rose  fuller  upon  the  air,  or  came  so  sweet 
and  melancholy  to  the  ear,  as  those  which  hung  in  the  al;- 
bcy  towers. 

Obedient  to  the  summons,  there  was  a  gathering  of  all 
in  the  valley  towards  the  gate  of  Limburg.  A  crowd  ap- 
peared also  in  the  direction  of  the  gorge,  for  devotion, 
superstition,  or  curiosity,  never  failed  to  attract  a  multi- 
tude on  these  occasions,  to  witness  mass  in  that  celebrated 
conventual  chapel.  Among  the  latter  came  equally  tiie 
skeptical  and  the  believing,  the  young  and  the  old,  the  fair 
and  her  who  deemed  it  ])ru(l(mt  to  shade  a  matronly  coun- 
tenance with  the  veil,  the  idle,  the  half-converted  follower 
of  Luther,  and  the  lover  of  music.  It  was  customary  for 
one  of  the  brothers  to  preach,  when  mass  was  ended  ;  and 


112  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

Limburg  had  many  monks  that  were  skilled  in  the  subtle- 
tics  of  the  times,  and  some  even  who  had  names  for  elo- 
quence. 

With  a  management  and  coquetry  that  enter  into  most 
human  devices  that  are  intended  to  act  on  our  feelings,  es- 
pecially in  matters  that  it  is  not  thought  sa,fe  to  confide 
too  much  to  naked  reason,  the  peals  of  the  bells  were  con- 
tinued long,  with  a  view  to  effect.  As  group  after  group 
arrived,  the  court  of  the  abliey  slowly  filled,  until  there 
appeared  a  congregation  sufficiently  numerous  to  gratify 
the  self-love  of  even  a  clerical  star  of  our  own  times. 
There  was  mucli  grave  salutation  among  the  different  dig- 
nitaries that  were  here  assembled,  for  of  all  those  who  doff 
the  cap  in  courtesy,  perhaps  the  German  is  the  most 
punctilious  and  respectful.  As  the  neighboring  city  was 
fully  represented  in  this  assembly  of  the  religious  and  cu- 
rious, there  was  also  a  profitable  display  of  the  duties  that 
are  due  to  station.  A  herald  might  have  obtained  many 
useful  hints,  had  lie  been  there  to  note  the  different  de- 
grees of  simple  homage  that  were  paid,  from  the  Burgo- 
master to  the  Bailiff.  Among  the  variety  of  idle  and  ill- 
digested  remarks  that  are  lavished  on  the  American  people 
and  their  institutions,  it  is  a  received  pleasantry  to  joke  on 
their  attachment  to  official  dignities.  But  he  who  has  not 
only  seen,  but  observed  both  his  own  countrymen  and 
strangers,  will  have  liad  numberless  occasions  to  remark 
that  this,  like  most  similar  strictures,  is  liable  to  the  im- 
putation of  vapidity,  and  of  being  proof  of  a  narrow  obser- 
vation. The  functionary  that  is  literally  a  servant  of  the 
people,  whatever  may  be  his  dispositions,  can  never  tri- 
umph over  his  masters  ;  and,  thougli  it  be  an  honest  and 
commendable  ambition  to  wish  to  be  so  distinguished,  we 
need  only  examine  the  institutions  to  see  that  in  this,  as 
in  most  other  similar  circumstances,  there  is  no  strict  an- 
alogy between  ourselves  and  European  nations.  The  re- 
mark has  probably  been  made,  because  a  respect  for  official 
authority  has  been  found  among  us,  when  there  was  the 
expectation,  and  possibly  the  wish,  to  find  anarchy. 

At  the  high  mass  of  Limburg  there  was  more  ceremony 
observed  in  ushering  the  meanest  village  dignitary  to  his 
place  in  the  church  than  would  be  observed  in  conducting 
the  head  of  this  great  republic  to  the  high  station  he 
occupies  ;  and  care  was  had,  by  an  agent  of  the  convent, 
to  see  that  no  one  should  approach  the  altar  of  the  Lord 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  113 

of  the  Universe,  witliout  his  receiving  the  deference  lie 
miglit  claim  in  virtue  of  liis  temporal  rank  !  Here,  where 
all  appear  in  the  temple  as  they  must  appear  in  their 
graves,  equals  in  dependence  on  divine  support  as  they 
are  equals  in  frailty,  it  will  not  be  easy  to  understand  the 
hardihood  of  sophistry  which  thus  teaches  humility  and 
penitence  with  the  tongue,  and  invites  to  pride  and  pre- 
sumption in  the  practice  ;  and  which,  when  driven  to  a 
reason  for  its  conduct,  defends  itself  against  the  accusation 
of  inconsistency  by  recriminating  the  charge  of  envy  ! 

There  had  been  a  suitable  display  of  ceremony  when 
several  functionaries  of  Duerckheim  appeared,  but  the 
strongest  manifestation  of  respect  was  reserved  for  a  burgh- 
er, who  did  not  enter  the  gates  until  the  people  were 
assembled  in  the  body  of  the  church.  This  personage,  a 
man  whose  hair  was  just  beginning  to  be  gray,  and  whose 
solid,  vigorous  frame  denoted  full  healtli  and  an  easy  life, 
came  in  the  saddle  ;  for  at  the  period  of  which  we  write, 
there  was  a  bridle  path  to  the  portal  of  Limburg.  He  was 
accompanied  by  a  female,  seemingly  his  spouse,  who  rcjde 
an  ambling  nag,  bearing  on  the  crupper  a  crone  that  clung 
to  her  well-formed  waist,  with  easy,  domestic  familiarity, 
but  like  one  unused  to  her  seat.  A  fair-haired,  rosy  girl 
sat  the  pillion  of  the  father,  and  a  serving-man,  in  a  spe- 
cies of  official  livery,  closed  the  cavalcade. 

Sundry  of  the  more  substantial  citizens  of  Duerckheim 
hastened  to  the  reception  of  this  little  party,  for  it  was 
Heinrich  Frey,  with  Meta,  her  mother,  and  Use,  that  came 
unexpectedly  to  the  mass  of  Limburg.  The  affluent  and 
flourishing  citizen  was  ushered  to  the  part  of  the  church 
or  chapel,  where  especial  chairs  were  reserved  for  such 
casual  visits  of  the  neighboring  functionaries,  or  for  any 
noble  that  devotion,  or  accident,  might  lead  to  worship  at 
the  abbey's  altars. 

Heinrich  Frey  was  a  stout,  hale,  obstinate,  sturdy  burgh- 
er, in  whom  prosperity  had  a  little  cooled  benevolence, 
but  who,  had  he  escaped  the  allurements  of  office  and  the 
recollection  of  his  own  success,  might  liave  passed  through 
life  as  one  that  was  wanting  in  neither  modesty  nor  hu- 
manity. He  was,  in  short,  on  a  diminished  scale,  one  of 
those  examples  of  desertion  from  the  ranks  of  mankind 
to  the  corps  d'clite  of  the  lucky,  that  we  constantly  wit- 
ness among  the  worldly  and  fortunate.  While  a  youth,  he 
had  been  sufficiently  considerate  for  the  burdens  and 
S 


114  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

difficulties  of  the  unhappy  ;  but  a  marriage  with  a  small 
heiress,  and  subsequent  successes,  had  gradually  brought 
him  to  a  view  of  things  that  was  more  in  unison  with  his 
own  particular  interests,  than  it  was  either  philosophical 
or  Christian-like.  He  was  a  firm  believer  in  that  dictum 
which  says  none  but  the  wealthy  have  sufiicient  interest  in 
society  to  be  intrusted  with  its  control,  though  his  own  in- 
stinct might  liave  detected  the  sophistry,  since  he  was  daily 
vacillating  between  opposing  principles,  just  as  they  hap- 
pened to  affect  his  own  particular  concerns.  Heinrich 
Frey  gave  freely  to  the  mendicant,  and  to  the  industrious  ; 
but  when  it  came  to  be  a  question  of  any  serious  meliora- 
tion of  the  lot  of  either,  he  shook  his  head,  in  a  manner 
to  imply  a  mysterious  political  economy,  and  uttered 
shrewd  remarks  on  the  bases  of  society,  and  of  things  as 
they  w^ere  established.  In  short,  he  lived  in  an  age  when 
Germanv,  and  indeed  all  Christendom,  was  much  agitated 
by  a  question  that  was  likely  to  unsettle  not  only  the  re- 
ligion of  the  day,  but  divers  other  vested  interests  ;  and 
he  might  have  been  termed  the  chief  of  the  conservative 
party,  in  his  own  particular  circle.  These  qualities,  united 
to  his  known  wealth  ;  a  reputation  for  high  probity,  which 
was  founded- on  the  belief  that  he  was  fully  able  to  repair 
any  pecuniary  wrong  he  might  happen  to  commit  ;  a  sturdy 
maintenance  of  his  own  opiniuns,  that  passed  with  the 
multitude  for  the  consistency  of  rectitude  ;  and  a  perfect 
fearlessness  in  deciding  against  all  those  who  had  not  the 
means  of  disputing  his  decrees,  had  procured  for  him  the 
honor  of  being  the  first  Burgomaster  of  Duerckheim. 

Were  the  countenance  a  certain  index  of  the  qualities 
of  the  mind,  a  physiognomist  might  have  been  at  a  loss  to 
discover  the  motives  which  had  induced  Ulricka  Hailtzin- 
ger,  not  only  the  fairest  but  the  wealthiest  maiden  of  the 
town,  to  unite  herself  in  marriage  w4th  the  man  we  have 
just  delineated.  A  mild,  melanclioly,  blue  eye,  that  re- 
tained Its  lustre  in  despite  of  forty  years,  a  better  outline 
of  features  than  is  common  to  the  region  in  which  she 
dwelt,  and  a  symmetry  of  arm  and  bust  tiiat,  on  the  other 
liand,  is  rather  peculiar  to  the  natives  of  Germany,  still 
furnished  sufficient  evidence  of  the  beauty  for  which  she 
must  have  been  distinguished  in  early  life.  In  addition 
to  these  obvious  and  more  vulgar  attractions,  the  matronly 
partner  of  Heinrich  had  an  expression  of  feminine  delica- 
cy and  intelligence,  of  elevated  views,  and  even  of  mys-* 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  115 

tcrious  aspirations,  which  rendered  her  a  woman  that  a 
nice  observer  of  nature  might  have  loved  to  study — and 
have  studied  to  love. 

In  personal  appearance,  Meta  was  a  copy  of  her  mother, 
engrafted  on  the  more  ruddy  health  and  less  abstracted 
habits  of  the  father.  Her  character  will  be  sufficiently 
developed  as  we  proceed  in  the  tale.  We  commit  Use  to 
tlie  reader's  imagination,  which  w'ill  readily  conceive  the 
sort  of    attendant  that  has  been  introduced. 

The  Herr  Heinrich  did  not  take  possession  of  his  cus- 
tomary post  before  the  high  altar,  witliout  causing  the  stir 
and  excitement  among  the  simple  peasants  of  the  Jaeger- 
thal,  and  the  truant  Duerckheimers  who  were  present,  that 
became  his  condition  in  life.  But  even  citv  importance 
cannot  predominate  for  ever  in  the  house  of  God,  and  the 
bustle  gradually  subsiding,  expectation  began  to  take  pre- 
cedency of  civic  rank. 

The  Abbey  of  Limburg  stood  high  among  the  religious 
communities  of  the  Rhine,  for  its  internal  decorations,  its 
wealth,  and  its  hospitality.  The  chapel  was  justly  deemed 
a  rare  specimen  of  monastic  taste,  nor  was  it  wanting  in 
most  of  those  ornaments  and  decorations  that  render  the 
superior  buildings,  devoted  to  the  service  of  the  Church  of 
Rome,  so  imposing  to  the  senses,  and  so  pleasing  to  the 
admirers  of  solemn  effect.  The  building  was  vast,  and,  as 
prevailed  throughout  that  region  and  in  the  century  of 
which  we  write,  sombre.  It  had  numerous  altars,  rich  in 
marbles  and  pictures,  each  celebrated  in  the  Palatinate  for 
the  kind  mediation  of  the  particular  saint  to  whom  it  was 
dedicated,  and  each  loaded  with  the  vcjtive  offerings  of  the 
suppliant,  or  of  the  grateful.  The  walls  and  the  nave  were 
painted  al  fresco^  not  indeed  with  the  pencil  of  Raphael, 
or  Buonorotti,  but  creditably,  and  in  a  manner  to  heighten 
tlie  beauty  of  the  place.  The  choir  was  carved  in  high 
relief,  after  a  fashion  much  esteemed,  and  that  was  admi- 
rably executed  in  tlie  middle  states  of  Europe,  no  less  than 
in  Italy,  and  wliole  Hocks  of  cherubs  were  seen  poising  on 
the  wing  anjund  the  organ,  the  altar,  and  the  tombs.  The 
latter  were  numerous,  and  indicated,  by  their  magnificence, 
that  the  bodies  of  those  who  had  enjoyed  the  world's  ad- 
vantages slept  within  the  hallowed  precincts. 

At  length  a  docjr,  communicating  with  tlie  cloisters, 
opened,  and  the  monks  appeared,  walking  in  procession. 
At   their   head  came  the   Abbot,   wearing  his   mitre,   and 


ii6  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

adorned  with  the  gorgeous  robes  of  his  ecclesiastical  office. 
Two  priests,  decorated  for  the  duties  of  the  altar,  followed, 
and  then  succeeded  the  professed  and  the  assistants,  in 
pairs.  The  whole  procession  swept  through  the  aisles  in 
stately  silence  ;  and,  after  making  the  tour  of  most  of  the 
church,  paying  homage  and  offering  prayers  at  several  of 
the  most  honored  altars,  it  passed  into  the  choir.  Father 
Bonifacius  was  seated  on  his  episcopal  throne,  and  the  rest 
of  the  brotherhood  occupied  the  glossy  stalls  reserved  for 
such  occasions.  During  the  march  of  the  monks,  the  organ 
breathed  a  low  accompaniment,  and,  as  they  became  sta- 
tionary, its  last  strain  died  in  the  vaulted  roof.  At  this 
moment  the  clattering  of  horses'  hoofs  was  audible  with- 
out, causing  the  startled  and  uneasy  priests  to  suspend  the 
mass.  The  rattling  of  steel  came  next,  and  then  the  heavy 
tread  of  armed  heels  was  heard  on  the  pavement  of  the 
church  itself. 

Emich  of  Hartenburg  came  up  the  principal  aisle,  with 
the  steady  front  of  one  confident  of  his  power,  and  claim- 
ing deference.  He  was  accompanied  by  his  guests,  the 
Knight  of  Rhodes  and  Monsieur  Latouche,  while  young 
Berchthold  Hinlermayer  kept  at  his  elbow,  like  one  accus- 
tomed to  be  in  close  attendance.  A  small  train  of  un- 
armed dependents  brought  up  the  rear.  There  was  a  seat 
of  honor,  in  the  clioir  itself,  and  near  the  master  altar,  to 
which  it  was  usual  to  admit  princes  and  nobles  of  high 
consideration.  Passing  through  the  crowd  that  had  col- 
lected at  the  railing  of  the  choir,  the  Count  inclined 
towards  one  of  the  lateral  aisles,  and  was  soon  face  to  face 
with  the  Abbot.  The  latter  arose,  and  slightly  recognized 
the  presence  of  his  guest,  while  the  whole  brotherhood 
imitated  his  example,  though  with  greater  respect ;  for,  as 
we  have  said,  it  was  usual  to  pay  this  homage  to  worldly 
rank,  even  in  the  temple.  Emich  seated  himself,  with  a 
scowl  on  his  visage,  while  his  two  noble  associates  found 
seats  of  honor  near.     Berchthold  stood  at  hand. 

An  inexperienced  eye  could  have  detected  no  outward 
signs  of  his  recent  defeat,  in  the  exterior  of  Wilhelm  of 
Venloo.  His  muscles  had  already  regained  their  tone,  and 
liis  entire  countenance  its  usual  expression  of  severe  au- 
thority, a  quality  for  which  it  was  more  remarkable  than 
for  any  lines  of  mortification  or  of  thought.  He  glanced 
at  the  victor,  and  tlien,  by  a  secret  sign,  communicated 
with  a  lay  brother.     At  this  moment  the  mass  commenced. 


THE   HEIDENMAUER, 


117 


Of  nil  tlic  nations  of  Christendom,  tliis,  compared  witli 
its  numbers,  is  the  least  connected  with  the  Church  of 
Rome.  The  peculiar  religious  origin  of  the  people,  their 
liabits  of  examination  and  mental  independence,  and  their 
prejudices  (for  the  Protestant  is  no  more  free  from  this 
failing  than  the  Catholic)  are  likely  to  keep  them  long 
separated  from  any  policy,  whether  of  Church  or  State, 
that  exacts  faith  without  inyestigation,  or  obedience  with- 
out the  right  to  remonstrate.  An  opinion  is  sedulously 
disseminated  in  the  other  hemisphere  that  busy  agents  are 
rapidly  working  changes  in  this  respect,  and  a  powerful 
party  is  anxiously  anticipating  great  ecclesiastical  and  po- 
litical results  from  the  return  of  the  American  nation  to 
the  opinions  of  their  ancestors  of  the  middle  ages.  Were 
the  fact  so,  it  would  give  us  little  concern,  for  we  do  not 
believe  salvation  to  be  the  peculiar  province  of  sects  ;  but, 
had  we  any  apprehensions  of  the  consequences  of  such  a 
conversion,  they  would  not  be  excited  by  the  accidental 
accumulations  of  emigrants  in  towns,  or  on  the  public 
works  in  which  the  country  is  so  actively  engaged.  We 
believe  that  where  one  native  Protestant  becomes  a  Cath- 
olic in  America,  ten  emigrant  Catholics  drop  quietly  into 
the  ranks  of  the  prevailing  sects  ;  and,  witliout  at  all  agi- 
tating the  point  of  w^iich  is  the  gainer  or  the  loser  by  the 
change,  we  shall  proceed  to  describe  the  manner  of  tlic 
mass,  as  a  ceremony,  that  ninety-nine  in  a  hundred  of  our 
readers  have  never  had,  nor  probably  ever  will  have,  an 
opportunity  of  witnessing. 

There  is  no  appeal  to  the  feelings  of  man  which  has 
given  rise  to  opinions  so  decidedly  at  variance  as  those 
which  are  entertained  of  the  Roman  ritual.  To  one  de- 
scription of  Christians  these  ceremonies  appear  to  be  vaia 
mummeries,  invented  to  delude,  and  practised  for  unjusti- 
fiable ends  ;  while  to  anotiier  they  contain  all  that  is  sub- 
lime and  imposing  in  human  worship.  As  is  usual  in  most 
cases  of  extreme  opinit^ns,  the  truth  would  seem  to  lie  be- 
tween the  two.  Tlie  most  zealous  Catholic  errs  when  he 
would  maintain  the  infallibility  of  all  who  minister  at  the 
altar,  or  when  he  overlooks  the  slovenly  and  irreverent 
manner  in  which  the  most  holy  offices  are  so  frequently 
performed  ;  and,  surely,  the  Protestant  who  quits  the  tcni- 
ple,  in  which  justice  has  been  done  to  the  formula  of  this 
Church,  without  perceiving  that  there  is  deep  and  sublime 
devotion  in  its  rites,  has  steeled  his  feelings  against  the  ad- 


ii8  THE  IIETDENMAUER. 

mission  of  every  sentiment  in  favor  of  a  sect  that  he  is  will- 
ing to  proscribe.  We  belong  to  neither  class,  and  shall, 
therefore,  endeavor  to  represent  things  as  they  have  been 
seen,  not  disguising  or  affecting  a  single  emotion  because 
our  fathers  happened  to  take  refuge  in  this  western  world 
to  set  up  altars  of  a  different  shade  of  faith. 

The  interior  of  the  Abbey-church  of  Limburg,  as  has 
just  been  stated,  w^as  renowned  in  German v  for  its  mag- 
nificence. Its  vaulted  roof  was  supported  by  many  mas- 
sive pillars,  and  ornamented  with  scriptural  stories,  by  the 
best  pencils  of  that  region.  The  grand  altar  was  of  marble, 
richly  embellished  witli  agate,  containing  as  usual  a  la- 
bored representation  of  the  blessed  Mary  and  her  deified 
child.  A  railing  of  exquisite  workmanship  and  richly 
gilded,  excluded  profane  feet  from  this  sanctified  spot, 
which,  in  addition  to  its  fixtures,  was  now  glittering  with 
vessels  of  gold  and  precious  stones,  being  decorated  for 
the  approaching  mass.  The  officiating  priests  wore  vest- 
ments stiffened  with  golden  embroidery,  while  the  inferior 
attendants  were  as  usual  clad  in  white,  and  bound  with 
scarfs  of  purple. 

Upon  this  scene  of  gorgeous  and  elaborate  splendor,  in 
which  the  noble  architecture  united  with  the  minute  prep- 
arations of  the  service  to  lead  the  spirit  to  lofty  contem- 
plations, the  chant  of  the  monks,  and  the  tones  of  the  or- 
gan, broke  in  a  deep  and  startling  appeal  to  the  soul.  Lives 
dedicated  to  the  practices  of  their  community,  had  drilled 
the  brotherhood  into  perfection,  and  scarce  a  note  issued 
among  the  vaults  that  was  not  attuned  to  the  desired  ef- 
fect. Trombones,  serpents,  and  viols,  lent  their  aid  to  in- 
crease the  solemn  melody  of  powerful  masculine  voices, 
which  were  so  blended  with  the  wind  instrument  as  to 
comprise  but  one  deep,  grand,  and  grave  sound  of  praise. 
Count  Emich  turned  on  his  seat,  clenching  the  handle  of 
his  sword,  as  if  the  clamor  of  the  trumpet  were  in  his  ears  : 
then  his  unquiet  glance  met  that  of  the  Abbot,  and  his 
chin  fell  upon  a  hand.  As  the  service  proceeded,  the  zeal 
of  the  brotherhood  seemed  to  increase,  and,  as  it  was  after- 
wards remarked,  on  no  occasion  had  the  mass  of  Limburg, 
at  all  times  known  for  its  power  in  music,  been  so  remark- 
able for  its  strong  and  stirring  influence.  Voice  rolled 
above  voice,  in  a  manner  that  must  be  heard  to  be  under- 
stood, and  there  were  moments  when  the  tones  of  the  in- 
struments, full  and  united  as  they  were,  appeared  drowned 


THE   HETDENMAUER,  119 

in  the  blending  of  n.  Imndred  human  aspirations.  From 
the  deepest  of  one  of  these  solemn  peals  there  arose  a 
strain,  at  whose  first  tone  all  other  music  was  hushed.  It 
was  a  single  human  voice,  of  that  admixture  of  the  male 
and  female  tones  which  seems  nearest  allied  to  the  super- 
natural, being  in  truth,  a  contralto  of  great  compass, 
roundness,  and  sweetness.  Count  Emicli  started,  for,  when 
these  heavenly  strains  broke  upon  his  ear,  they  seemed  to 
float  in  the  vault  above  the  choir;  nor  could  he,  as  the 
singer  was  concealed,  assure  himself  of  the  delusion,  while 
the  solo  lasted.  He  dropped  his  sword,  and  gazed  about 
him,  for  the  first  time  that  morning,  with  an  expression  of 
human  charity.  Tlie  lips  of  young  Berchthold  parted  in 
admiration,  and  as  he  just  then  met  the  blue  eye  of  Meta, 
there  w^'is  an  exchange  of  gentle  feeling  in  that  quiet  and 
secret  glance.  In  the  meantime,  the  chant  proceeded. 
The  single  unearthly  voice  that  had  so  stirred  the  spirits 
of  the  listeners  ceased,  and  a  full  chorus  of  the  choir  con- 
cluded the  hymn. 

The  Count  of  Leiningen  drew^  a  breath  so  heavy  that  it 
was  audible  to  Bonifacius.  The  latter  suffered  his  counte- 
nance to  unbend,  and,  as  in  the  case  of  the  youthful  pair, 
the  spirit  of  concord  appeared  to  soothe  the  tempers  of 
these  fierce  rivals.  But  here  commenced  the  ritual  of  the 
mass.  The  rapid  utterance  of  the  officiating  priest,  ges- 
ticulations which  lost  their  significance  by  being  blended 
and  indistinct,  and  prayers  in  a  tongue  that  defeated  their 
object  by  involving  instead  of  rendering  the  medium  of 
thought  noble  and  clear,  united  to  w^eaken  the  effect  pro- 
duced by  the  music.  Worship  lost  its  character  of  inspi- 
ration, by  assuming  that  of  business,  neither  attracting  the 
imagination,  inlliiencing  the  feelings,  nor  yet  sufficiently 
convincing  the  reason.  Abandoning  all  these  persuasive 
means,  too  much  was  left  to  the  convictions  of  a  naked 
and  settled  belief. 

Emich  of  Ilartenburg  gradually  resumed  his  repulsive 
mien,  and  the  effect  of  all  that  he  had  so  lately  felt  was 
lost  in  cold  indifference  to  words  that  he  did  not  compre- 
hend. Even  v<M!ng  Berchthold  s(jught  the  eye  of  ^jeta 
less  anxiously,  and  both  the  Knight  of  Rhodes  and  Mon- 
sieur Latouche  gazed  listlessly  towards  the  throng  grouped 
before  the  railing  of  the  choir.  In  this  manner  did  the 
service  commence  and  terminate.  There  was  another 
hymn,  and  a  second   exhibition  of  the  power  of  music. 


I20  THE  IIEIDENMAUER. 

though  with  an   effect  less   marked  than  that  which  had 
been  produced  when  the  listeners  were  taken  by  surprise. 

Against  a  column,  near  the  centre  of  the  church,  was 
erected  a  pulpit.  A  monk  rose  from  his  stall,  at  the  close 
of  the  worship,  and,  passing  through  the  crowd,  ascended 
its  stairs  like  one  about  to  preach.  It  was  Father  Johan,  a 
brother  known  for  the  devotedness  of  his  faith  and  the 
severity  of  his  opinions.  The  low  receding  forehead,  the 
quiet  but  glassy  eye,  and  the  fixedness  of  the  inferior 
members  of  the  face,  might  readily  have  persuaded  a 
physiognomist  that  he  beheld  a  heavy  entliusiast.  The 
language  and  opinions  of  the  preacher  did  not  deny  the 
expectations  excited  by  his  exterior.  He  painted,  in  strong 
and  ominous  language,  the  dangers  of  the  sinner,  nar- 
rowed the  fold  of  the  saved  within  metaphysical  and  ques' 
tionable  limits,  and  made  frequent  appeals  to  the  fears  and 
to  the  less  noble  passions  of  his  audience.  While  the 
greater  number  in  the  church  kept  aloof,  listening  indif- 
ferently, or  gazing  at  the  monuments  and  other  rich  deco- 
rations of  the  place,  a  knot  of  kindred  spirits  clustered 
around  the  pillar  that  supported  the  preacher's  desk, 
deeply  sympathizing  in  all  his  pictures  of  pain  and  deso- 
lation. 

The  sharp,  angry,  and  denunciatory  address  of  Father 
Johan  was  soon  ended  ;  and,  as  he  re-entei-ed  the  choir, 
the  Abbot  rose  and  retired  to  the  cloisters,  followed  by 
most  of  the  brotherhood.  But  neither  the  Count  of  Har- 
tenburg,  nor  any  of  his  train,  seemed  disposed  to  quit  the 
church  so  soon.  An  air  of  expectation  appeared,  also,  to 
detain  most  of  those  in  the  body  of  the  building.  A  monk, 
towards  whom  many  longing  eyes  had  been  cast,  yielded 
to  the  general  and  touching  appeal,  and  quitting  his  stall, 
one  of  high  honor,  he  took  the  place  just  vacated  by 
Father  Johan. 

The  movement  was  no  sooner  made,  than  the  name  of 
Father  Arnolph,  the  Prior,  or  the  immediate  spiritual  gov- 
ernor of  the  community,  was  buzzed  among  the  people. 
Emich  arose,  and,  accompanied  by  his  friends,  took  a  sta- 
tion near  the  pulpit,  while  the  dense  mass  of  uplifted  and 
interested  faces,  that  filled  the  middle  aisle,  proclaimed 
the  interest  of  the  congregation.  There  was  that  in  the 
countenance  and  air  of  Father  Arnolph  to  justify  this 
plain  demonstration  of  sympathy.  His  eye  was  mild  and 
benevolent,  his   forehead  full,  placid  and  even,  and  the 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  121 

whole  character  of  his  face  was  that  of  winning  philan- 
thropy. To  the  influence  of  this  general  and  benevolent 
expression,  must  be  added  evident  signs  of  discipline, 
much  thought,  and  meek  hope. 

The  spiritual  part  of  such  a  man  was  not  likely  to  belie 
the  exterior.  His  doctrine,  like  that  of  the  divine  being 
he  served,  was  charitable  and  full  of  love.  Though  he 
spoke  of  the  terrors  of  judgment,  it  was  with  grief  rather 
than  with  menace  ;  and  it  was  when  dwelling  on  the  per- 
suasive and  attractive  character  of  faith,  that  he  was  most 
earnest  and  eloquent.  Again  Emich  found  his  secret  in- 
tentions shaken,  and  his  frown  relaxed  to  gleamings  of 
sympathy  and  interest.  The  eye  of  the  preacher  met  that 
of  the  stern  baron,  and,  without  making  an  alarming 
change  of  manner,  he  continued,  as  it  were,  by  a  natural 
course  of  thought — "  Such  is  the  Church  in  its  purity,  my 
hearers,  let  the  errors,  the  passions,  or  the  designs  of  man 
pervert  it  in  wliat  manner  they  may.  The  faith  I  preach 
is  of  God,  and  it  partakes  of  the  godlike  qualities  of  His 
divine  essence.  He  who  would  impute  the  sins  of  its  mis- 
taken performance  to  aught  but  his  erring  creatures,  casts 
odium  on  that  which  is  instituted  for  his  own  good  ;  and 
he  who  would  do  violence  to  its  altars,  lifts  a  hand  against 
a  work  of  omnipotence  !  " 

With  these  words  in  his  ears,  Emich  of  Hartenburg 
turned  away,  and  passed  musingly  up  the  church. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

"  Japlict,  I  cannot  answer  llice." — PjYRON. 

The  Abbey  of  Limburg  owed  its  existence  and  its  rich 
endowments  chiefly  to  the  fav(jr  of  an  emperor  of  Ger- 
many. In  honor  of  this  great  patron,  an  especial  altar, 
and  a  gorgeous  and  elaborate  tomb,  had  been  erected. 
Similar  honors  had  been  also  ])aid  to  the  Counts  of  Lein- 
ingen,  and  to  certain  other  noble  families  of  the  vicinity. 
These  several  altars  were  in  black  marble,  relieved  by  or- 
naments of  white,  and  the  tombs  were  decorated  with  such 
heraldic  devices  as  marked  the  particular  races  of  the  dif- 
ferent individuals.  They  stood  apart  from  those  already 
described  in  the  principal  church,   in  a  sort  of  crypt,  or 


122  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

semi-subterranean  chapel,  beneath  the  choir.  Thither 
Count  Emich  held  his  way,  when  he  quitted  the  column 
against  which  he  had  leaned  while  listening  to  the  sermon 
of  Father  Arnolph. 

The  light  of  the  upper  church  had  that  soft  and  melan- 
choly tint  which  is  so  peculiar  and  so  ornamental  to  a 
Gothic  edifice.  It  entered  through  high,  narrow  windows 
of  painted  glass,  coloring  all  within  with  a  hue  that  it  was 
not  difficult  for  the  imagination  to  conceive  had  some  se- 
cret connection  with  the  holy  character  of  the  place.  The 
depth  and  the  secluded  position  of  the  chapel  rendered 
this  light  still  more  gloomy  and  touching  in  the  crypt. 
When  the  Count  reached  the  pavement,  he  felt  its  influence 
deeply,  for  few  descended  into  tliat  solemn  and  hallowed 
vault  without  becoming  sensible  to  the  religious  awe  that 
reigned  around.  Emich  crossed  himself,  and,  as  he  passed 
before  the  altar  reared  by  liis  race,  he  bent  a  knee  to  the 
mild  and  lovely  female  countenance  that  was  there  to  rep- 
resent the  Mother  of  Christ.  He  thought  himself  alone, 
and  he  uttered  a  prayer ;  for,  though  Emich  of  Leiningen 
was  a  man  that  rarely  communed  seriously  with  God  when 
exposed  to  worldly  and  deriding  eyes,  he  had  in  his  heart 
deep  reverence  for  his  power.  As  he  arose,  a  movement 
at  his  elbow  attracted  a  look  aside. 

"Ha! — Thou  here,  Herr  Prior!"  he  exclaimed,  sup- 
pressing as  much  of  his  surprise  as  self-command  enabled 
him  to  do  with  success  ;  "  Thou  art  swift  in  thy  passage 
from  the  stall  to  the  pulpit,  and  swifter  from  the  pulpit  to 
the  chapel ! " 

"  We  that  are  vowed  to  lives  of  monkish  devotion,  need 
to  be  often  at  all.  Thou  wert  kneeling,  Emich,  before  the 
altar  of  thy  race  ?" 

""  By  St.  Benedict,  thy  patron  !  but  thou  hast,  in  good 
sooth,  found  me  in  some  such  act,  holy  father.  A  weak- 
ness came  over  me,  on  entering  into  this  gloomy  place, 
and  I  would  fain  do  reverence  to  the  spirits  of  those  who 
liave  gone  before  me." 

"  Callest  thou  the  desire  to  pray  a  weakness  ?  At  what 
shrine  could  one  of  thy  name  worship  more  fittingly  than  at 
this,  which  has  been  reared  and  enriched  by  the  devout  of 
his  own  kindred  ;  or  in  what  better  mood  canst  thou  look 
into  thyself,  and  call  upon  divine  aid,  than  in  that  thou 
liast  mentioned  ? " 

*'  Herr  Prior,  thou  overlookest  the  occasion  of  my  visit. 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  123 

which  is  to  hear  the  Abbey  mass,  and  not  to  confess  and 
be  shrived." 

"  It  is  long  since  thou  hast  had  the  benefit  of  these  sacred 
offices,  Emich  !  " 

''Thou  liast  done  well  in  thy  way,  father,  at  the  desk  ; 
and  I  question  not  that  the  burghers  of  Duerckheim  and 
their  gossips  will  do  thee  credit  in  their  private  discourses. 
Thy  fame  as  a  preacher  is  not  of  mean  degree  even  now, 
and  this  effort  of  to-day  would  well-nigh  gain  thee  a 
bishopric,  were  the  women  of  our  valley  in  the  way  of 
moving  Rome.  How  fareth  it  with  the  most  holy  Abbot 
this  morning,  and  with  those  two  pillars  of  the  community, 
the  Fathers  Siegfried  and  Cuno  ? " 

"Thou  sawest  them  in  their  places  at  the  most  holy 
mass." 

"'Fore  lieaven  !  but  they  are  worthy  companions  !  Be- 
lieve me,  father,  more  honest  boon  associates  do  not  dwell 
in  our  merry  Palatinate,  nor  men  that  I  hn'e  in  a  better 
fashion,  according  to  their  merits  !  Did'st  hear,  reverend 
Prior,  of  their  visit  to  Hartenburg,  and  of  their  deeds  in 
the  flesh  ? " 

"The  humor  of  thy  mind  is  quickly  changed,  Herr 
Count,  and  pity  'tis  'twere  thus.  I  came  not  here  to  listen 
to  tales  of  excesses  in  thy  hold,  nor  of  any  forgetfulness 
of  those  who,  having  sworn  to  better  things,  have  betrayed 
that  they  are  merely  men." 

"Aye,  and  stout  men,  if  any  such  dwell  in  the  empire  ! 
I  prize  my  good  name  as  another,  or  I  would  tell  thee  the 
number  of  vessels  that  my  keeper  of  the  cellar  sweareth 
are  no  better  than  so  many  men-at-arms  fallen  in  a  rally  or 
an  onset." 

"  This  love  of  wine  is  the  curse  of  our  region  and  of  the 
times.  I  would  that  none  of  the  treacherous  liquor  should 
again  enter  the  gates  of  Limburg!  " 

"God's  justice  !  reverend  Prior,  thou  wilt  in  sooth  find 
some  decrease  (jf  quantity  in  future,"  returned  Emich, 
laughing,  "  f(jr  the  disputed  vineyards  have  at  last  found 
a  single,  and,  tiiough  it  might  better  come  from  thee,  as 
one  that  hath  often  looked  into  my  interior,  as  it  were,  by 
confession,  a  worthy  master.  I  }-)ledge  thee  the  honor  of 
a  noble,  that  not  a  llask  (jf  that  wliich  thou  so  contemncst 
shall  ever  again  do  violence  to  thy  taste." 

The  Count  cast  a  triumphant  glance  at  the  monk,  in  the 
expectation,  and  possibly  in  the   hope,  that,  notwithstand- 


124  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

ing  his  professions  of  moderation,  some  lurking  signs  of 
regret  might  betray  themselves  at  this  announcement  of 
the  convent's  loss.  But  Father  Arnolph  was  what  he 
seemed,  a  man  devoted  to  the  holy  office  he  had  assumed, 
and  one  but  little  influenced  by  worldly  interests. 

"  I  understand  thee,  Emich,"  he  said  mildly,  but  un- 
moved. "This  scandal  was  not  wanting  at  such  a  moment 
to  bring  obloquy  upon  a  reverend  and  holy  Ciiurch,  against 
which  its  enemies  have  been  permitted  to  make  rude  war- 
fare, for  reasons  that  are  concealed  in  the  inscrutable 
mysteries  of  him  who  founded  it." 

"Thou  speakest  in  reason, '  monk,  for,  to  say  truth,  yon 
fellow  of  Saxony,  and  his  followers,  who  are  anything  but 
few  or  weak,  begin  to  move  many  in  this  quarter  to  doubts 
and  disobedience.  Thou  must  most  stoutly  hate  this 
brother  Luther  in  thy  heart,  father !  " 

For  the  first  time  that  day,  the  countenance  of  the  Prior 
lost  its  even  expression  of  benevolence.  But  the  change 
was  so  imperceptible  to  a  vulgar  eye,  as  to  escape  the 
scrutiny  of  the  Count  ;  and  the  feeling,  a  lingering  rem- 
nant of  humanity,  was  quickly  mastered  by  one  so  accus- 
tomed to  hold  tlie  passions  in  subjection. 

"The  name  of  the  schismatic  hath  troubled  me!  "re- 
turned the  Prior,  smiling  mournfully  at  the  consciousness 
of  his  own  weakness ;  "  I  hope  it  has  not  been  with  a  feel- 
ing of  personal  dislike.  He  stands  on  a  frightful  preci- 
pice, and  from  my  soul  do  I  pray,  that  not  only  he,  but  all 
the  deluded  that  follow  in  his  dangerous  track,  may  see 
their  peril  in  time  to  retire  unharmed  !  " 

'*  Father,  thou  speakest  like  one  that  wishest  good  to  the 
Saxon  rather  than  harm  !  " 

"  I  think  I  may  say,  the  words  do  not  belie  the  thoughts." 

"Nay,  thou  forgettest  the  damnable  heresies  he  prac- 
tiseth,  and  overloolceth  his  motive  !  Surely  one  that  can 
thus  sell  soul  and  body  for  love  of  a  wanton  nun,  hath 
little  claim  to  thy  charity  !  " 

There  was  a  slight  glow  on  the  temples  of  Father 
Arnolph. 

"They  have  attributed  to  him  this  craven  passion,"  he 
answered,  "  and  they  have  tried  to  prove,  that  a  mean  wish 
to  partake  of  the  pleasures  of  the  world,  lies  at  the  bottom 
of  his  rebellion  ;  but  I  believe  it  not,  and  I  say  it  not." 

"  God's  truth  !  thou  art  w^orthy  of  thy  holy  office,  Herr 
Prior,  and  I  honor  thy  moderation.    Were  there  more  like 


THE   IIEIDEXMAUER.  125 

thcc  among  us,  we  sliould  have  a  better  neighborhood,  and 
less  meddling  with  the  concerns  of  others.  With  thee,  I 
see  myself  no  such  necessity  of  his  openly  wiving  the  nun, 
for  it  is  very  possible  to  enjoy  the  gifts  of  life  even  under 
a  cowl,  should  it  be  our  fortune  to  wear  it." 

The  monk  made  no  answer,  for  he  perceived  he  had  to  do 
with  one  unequal  to  understanding  his  own  character. 

*' Of  this  we  will  say  no  more,"  he  rejoined,  after  a  brief 
and  painful  pause  ;  "let  us  look  rather  to  thine  own  wel- 
fare. It  is  said,  Count  Emich,  that  thou  meditatest  evil  to 
this  holy  shrine  ;  that  ambition,  and  the  longings  of  cu- 
pidity, have  tempted  thee  to  plot  our  abbey's  fall,  in  order 
that  none  may  stand  between  thine  own  baronial  power 
and  the  throne  of  the  Elector  ! " 

"Thou  art  less  unwilling  to  form  unkind  opinions  of  thy 
nearest  neighbor,  than  of  that  mortal  enemy  of  the  Church, 
Luther,  it  would  appear,  Herr  Prior.  What  hast  thou 
seen  in  me,  that  can  embolden  one  of  thy  charity  to  hazard 
this  accusation  ?  " 

"  I  do  but  hazard  what  all  in  our  convent  think  and 
dread.  Hast  thou  reflected  well,  Emich,  of  this  sacrilegious 
enterprise,  and  of  what  may  be  its  fruits?  Dost  thou  re- 
call the  objects  for  which  these  holy  altars  were  reared,  or 
the  hand  that  laid  the  corner-stone  of  the  edifice  thou 
wouldst  so  profanely  overthrow  ?  " 

"  Look  you,  good  Father  Arnolph,  there  are  two  man- 
ners of  viewing  the  erection  of  thy  c(^nvent,  and  more  es- 
pecially of  this  identical  church  in  which  we  stand.  One 
of  our  traditions  sayeth  that  tlic  arch-knave  Inmself  had 
liis  trowel  in  thy  masonry." 

"  Thou  art  of  too  high  lineage,  of  blood  too  noble,  and 
of  intelligence  too  ripe,  to  credit  the  tale." 

"These  are  points  in  which  I  pretend  not  to  dip  too 
deeply.  I  am  no  scholar  of  Prague  or  Wittenberg,  that 
thou  shouldst  put  these  questions  so  chjsclv  to  me.  It 
were  well  that  the  brotherhood  had  bethouglu  itself  of  this 
imputation  in  seas(;n,  that  the  (juestion  might  have  been 
settled,  for  or  against,  as  justice  needed,  when  the  learned 
and  great  among  our  fathers  were  met  at  Constance,  in 
grave  and  general  ccjuncil." 

Father  Arnolph  regarded  his  companion  in  serious  con- 
cern. He  too  well  knew  the  deplorable  igncjrance,  and 
the  consequent  superstiti(m,  in  which  the  great  of  his  time 
were  involved,  to  manifest  surprise  ;  but  he  also  knew  the 


125  THE   IIEIDENMAUER. 

power  the  other  wielded  sufficiently  to  foresee  the  evils  of 
such  a  union  between  force  and  ignorance.  Still  it  was 
not  his  present  object  to  combat  opinions  that  were  only  to 
be  removed  by  time  and  study,  if  indeed  they  can  ever  be 
eradicated,  when  fairly  rooted  in  the  human  mind.  He 
pursued  his  immediate  design,  therefore,  avoiding  a  dis- 
cussion, which,  at  that  moment,  might  prove  worse  than 
useless. 

"  That  the  finger  of  evil  mingles  more  or  less  with  all 
things  that  come  of  human  agency,  may  be  true,"  he  con- 
tinued, taking  care  that  the  expression  of  his  eye  should 
neither  awaken  the  pride,  nor  arouse  the  obstinacy  of  the 
noble — "  but  when  altars  have  been  reared,  and  Vvhen  the 
worship  of  the  Most  High  God  hath  continued  for  ages, 
we  liave  reason  to  hope  that  His  holy  spirit  presideth  in 
majesty  and  love  around  the  shrines.  Such  liath  been  the 
case  with  Limburg,  Count  Emich  ;  and  doubt  it  not,  we 
who  stand  here,  holding  this  discourse,  stand  also  in  the 
immediate  presence  of  that  dread  Being  who  created 
heaven  and  earth,  who  guideth  our  lives,  and  who  will 
judge  us  in  death  !  " 

''God  help  us,  Herr  Prior!  Thou  hast  already  done 
thy  office  in  tlie  desk  this  day,  and  I  see  no  occasion  that 
thou  shouldst  doubly  perform  a  function,  that  was  so  well 
acquitted  at  first.  I  like  not  the  manner  of  being  usher- 
ed, as  it  were  unannounced,  into  so  dread  a  presence  as 
this  thou  hast  just  proclaimed.  Were  it  but  the  Elector 
Friedrich,  Emich  of  Leiningcn  could  not  presume  to 
this  familiarity,  w^ithout  some  consultation  as  to  its  fit- 
ness." 

"In  the  eyes  of  the  Being  we  mean.  Electors  and  Em- 
perors are  equally  indifferent.  He  loveth  the  meek,  and 
the  merciful,  and  the  just,  while  he  scourgeth  them  who 
deny  his  authority.  But  thou  hast  named  thy  feudal  prince, 
and  I  will  question  thee  in  a  manner  suited  to  thy  habits. 
Thou  art,  in  truth,  Emich  of  Leiningen,  a  noble  of  name 
in  the  Palatinate,  and  one  know^n  to  be  of  long-established 
authority  in  these  regions.  Still  art  thou  second,  or  even 
third,  in  worldly  command,  in  this  thy  very  country.  The 
Elector  and  the  Emperor  both  hold  thee  in  check,  and 
either  is  strong  enough  to  destroy  thee  at  pleasure,  in  thy 
vaunted  hold  of  Hartenburg." 

"  To  the  last  I  yield  the  means,  if  thou  wilt,  worthy 
Prior  " — interrupted  the  Count — ''  but  for  the  first,  he  must 


THE   IIEIDENMA  UER. 


127 


needs   dispose    of   his   own    pressing   enemies,  before   he 
acliieves  this  victory  !" 

Fatlicr  Arnolph  understood  the  otlier's  meaning,  for  it 
was  no  secret  that  Friedrich  was,  just  then,  so  pressed  as 
to  sit  on  a  tottering  throne  ;  a  circumstance  that  was 
known  to  have  encouraged  the  long  meditated  designs  of 
the  Count  of  Hartenburg  to  get  rid  of  a  community,  that 
thwarted  his  views,  and  diminislied  his  local  authority. 

''Forgetting  tlie  Elector, we  will  turn  only  to  the  Emperor, 
then,"  rejoined  the  Prior.  ''Thou  believest  him  to  be  in 
his  palace,  and  remote  from  thy  country,  and  certainly  he 
hath  here  no  visible  force  to  restrain  thy  rebellious  hand. 
We  will  imagine  that  a  family  he  protected — na}-,  that  he 
loved — stood  in  the  way  of  some  of  thy  greedy  projects, 
and  that  the  tempter  had  persuaded  tliee  it  would  be  well 
to  remove  it,  or  to  destroy  it  with  the  strong  hand.  Art 
thou  weak  enough,  Count  Emich,  to  listen  to  such  advice, 
when  thou  knowest  that  the  arm  of  Charles  is  lone  enouph 
to  reach  from  liis  distant  Madrid  to  the  most  remote  cor- 
ner of  Germany,  and  that  his  vengeance  would  be  as  sure 
as  it  would  be  fearful  ! " 

"It  would  be  a  bold  warfare,  Herr  Prior,  that  of  Emich 
of  Lciningen  against  Charles  Quintus  !  Left  to  mine  own 
humor,  holy  monk,  I  would  rather  choose  another  enemy." 

"And  yet  thou  wouldst  war  with  one  mightier  than  he  ! 
Thou  raisest  thy  impotent  arm,  and  thy  audacious  will, 
against  thy  God  !  Thou  wouldst  despise  His  promises,  pro- 
fane His  altars,  nay,  thou  wouldst  fain  throw  down  the 
tabernacle  that  He  hath  reared!  Dost  thou  think  that 
Omnipotence  will  be  a  nerveless  witness  of  this  sin  ;  or 
that  an  eternal  and  benign  wisdom  will  forget  to  punish  ?" 

"  By  St.  I^aul  !  thou  puttest  the  matter  altogether  in  thine 
own  interest.  Father  Arnolph,  for  there  is  yet  no  proof 
that  this  Abbey  of  Limburg  hath  any  such  origin,  or,  if  it 
had,  that  it  hath  not  fallen  into  disfavor,  by  the  excesses 
of  its  own  professed.  'Twere  well  to  send  for  the  right 
reverend  Abbot,  and  those  pillars  of  sanctity,  the  Fathers 
Cuno  and  Siegfried,  to  bear  witness  in  thy  behalf.  God's 
wisdom  !  I  reason  better  with  those  worthies,  in  such  a 
matter,  than  with  thee  !  " 

Emich  laughed,  the  sound  echoing  in  that  vaulted  chapel 
to  the  ears  of  the  monk,  like  the  scoffing  of  a  demon.  Still, 
the  natural  equity  of  Father  Arnol)-)h  told  him  that  tliere 
was  too  nuich  to  justify  the  taunt  of  the  noble,  for  he  had 


128  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

long  and  bitterly  niourned  the  depravity  of  many  of  the 
brotherhood. 

"  I  am  not  here  to  sit  in  judgment  on  those  who  err,  but 
to  defend  the  shrines  at  which  I  worship,  and  to  warn  thee 
from  a  fatal  sin.  If  thy  hand  is  ever  lifted  against  these 
walls,  it  is  raised  against  that  which  God  hath  blessed,  and 
which  God  will  avenge.  But  thou  art  of  human  feeling, 
Emich  of  Hartenburg  ;  and,  though  doubting  of  the  sacred 
character  of  that  which  thou  wouldst  fain  destroy,  thou 
canst  not  deceive  thyself  concerning  these  tombs— In  this 
holy  chapel  have  prayers  been  often  raised,  and  masses 
said,  for  the  souls  of  thine  own  line  ! " 

The  Count  of  Leiningen  looked  steadily  at  the  speaker. 
Father  Arnolph  had  placed  himself,  without  design,  near 
the  opening  which  communicated  between  that  sombre 
chapel  and  the  superior  church.  Rays  of  bright  light  shot 
through  the  eastern  window,  and  fell  upon  the  pavement 
at  his  feet,  throwing  around  his  form  the  mild  and  solemn 
lustre  which  comes  from  the  stained  glass  of  tlie  Gothic 
ages.  The  services  of  the  morning  had  also  spread  through- 
out the  entire  building,  that  soothing  atmosphere  which  is 
usually  the  attendant  of  Roman  worship.  The  incense  had 
penetrated  to  the  crypt,  and  unconsciously  the  w^arlike 
noble  had  felt  its  influence  quieting  his  nerves  and  lulling 
the  passions.  All  who  have  entered  the  principal  Basilica 
of  modern  Rome,  have  been  subject  to  a  combination  of 
moral  and  physical  causes  that  produce  the  result  w^e  mean, 
and  which,  though  more  striking  in  that  vast  and  glorious 
pile,  resembling  a  world  with  attributes  and  an  atmosphere 
of  its  own,  is  also  felt  in  every  Catholic  temple  of  conse- 
quence in  a  lessened  degree. 

"  Here  lie  my  fathers,  Arnolph,"  answered  the  Count, 
huskily  ;  "and  here,  as  thou  sayest,  have  masses  been  said 
for  their  souls  !  " 

*'  And  thou  contemnest  their  graves — thou  wouldst  vio- 
late even  their  bones  ! " 

*'  'Twere  not  an  act  for  a  Christian  ! " 

"  Look  hither.  Count.  This  is  the  monument  of  the 
good  Emich,  thy  ancestor.  He  honored  his  God,  and  did 
not  scruple  to  worsliip  at  our  altars." 

"  Thou  knowest,  holy  Prior,  that  I  have  often  bared  my 
soul  at  thy  knees." 

"  Thou  hast  confessed,  and  hast  been  shrived  ;  that 
thou  didst  not  lay  up  future  griefs " 


THE  IIEIDENMAUER.  129 

*'  Say  rather  damnation" — interrupted  one  behind,  whose 
voice,  issuing  suddenly  from  that  sepulchral  chapel, 
seemed  to  come  from  the  tombs  themselves — "  Thou  trifiest, 
reverend  Prior,  with  our  holy  mission,  to  deal  thus  tenderly 
with  so  sore  a  sinner." 

The  Count  of  Leiningen  had  started,  and  even  quailed, 
at  the  first  words  of  interruption  ;  but  looking  around,  he 
beheld  the  receding  front,  the  sunken  eye,  and  the  bend- 
ing person  of  Father  Johan. 

*'  Monks,  I  leave  you,"  said  Emich,  firmly.  ''It  is  good 
for  ye  to  pray,  and  to  frequent  these  gloomy  altars  ;  but  I, 
who  am  a  soldier,  cannot  waste  further  time  in  your  vaults. 
Herr  Prior,  farewell.  Thou  hast  a  guardian  that  will  pro- 
tect the  good." 

Before  the  Prior  could  recover  his  voice,  for  he  too  had 
been  taken  by  surprise,  the  Count  stalked,  with  a  heavy 
footstep,  up  the  marble  stairs,  and  the  tread  of  his  armed 
heel  was  soon  heard  on  the  flairs  above. 


CHAPTER  X. 

"The  wny  is  but  sliort  ;  away — "  Armado. 

While  all  must  be  conscious  of  the  fearful  infirmities 
that  beset  human  nature,  there  are  none  so  base  as  not  to 
know  that  their  being  contains  the  seeds  of  that  godlike 
principle  which  still  likens  them  to  their  divine  Creator. 
Virtue  commands  the  respect  of  man,  in  whatever  acciden- 
tal stage  of  civilization,  or  of  mental  improvement,  he  may 
happen  to  exist ;  and  he  who  practises  its  precepts  is  cer- 
tain of  the  respect,  tlnnigh  he  may  not  always  secure  the 
protection,  of  his  contemporaries. 

As  the  Count  of  Leiningen  walked  down  the  ricli  and 
vast  aisle  (jf  the  Abbey-church,  his  thougiits  vacillated  be- 
tween the  im[)ressions  produced  by  the  Prior,  and  his  la- 
tent, but  still  predominant,  intentions.  He  might  have 
been  likened  to  one  who  listened  to  the  counsels  of  a  good 
and  of  an  evil  genius  ;  that  exhorting  to  forbearance  and 
mercy,  and  this  tempting  to  violence  by  the  usual  array  of 
flattery  and  hopes.  While  he  brooded  over  the  exactions 
of  the  community,  whicii  were  fcninded  on  a  legal  superior- 
ity that  was  alike   liurtful  to  his  power  and  galling  to  his 

9 


I30  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

pride,  its  manner  of  thwarting  his  views,  and  its  constant 
opposition  to  his  supremacy  in  the  valley,  motives  of 
enmity  that  were  justly  heightened  by  the  dissolute  and 
audacious  deportment  of  too  many  of  its  members,  the 
effect  of  all  was  secretly  opposed  by  the  image  of  Father 
Arnolph,  surrounded  by  the  mild  and  noble  characteristics 
of  Christian  virtue.  Emich  could  not,  though  he  fain 
would,  chase  from  his  imagination  the  impression  of  meek- 
ness, charity,  and  of  self-denial,  that  a  long  acquaintance 
with  the  monk  had  made,  and  which  the  recent  interview 
had  served  both  to  freshen  and  to  render  more  deep.  But 
a  spectacle  was  prepared  to  meet  his  eyes  in  the  court  of 
the  convent,  that  did  as  much  towards  weakening  tliis 
happy  influence  of  the  Prior,  by  setting  the  pride  of  the 
noble  in  opposition  to  his  better  feelings,  as  could  have 
been  wished  by  the  bitterest  enemy  of  Limburg. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  outer  wall  of  the  Abbey  encir- 
cled the  entire  brow  of  the  hill,  or  mountain,  on  which  the 
convent  stood.  Though  the  buildings  were  spacious  and 
numerous,  the  size  of  the  little  plain  on  the  summit  left 
ample  space  for  exercise  and  air.  Besides  the  cloisters, 
which  were  vast,  though  possessing  the  character  of  monk- 
ish seclusion,  there  were  gardens  in  the  rear  of  the  Abbot's 
abode,  and  a  court  of  considerable  extent,  immediately  in 
front  of  the  church.  Athwart  this  court,  in  which  sundry 
groups  of  the  late  congregation  yet  lingered,  was  drawn 
up,  in  military  order,  a  band  of  soldiers,  wearing  the  col- 
ors, and  acknowledging  the  authority,  of  the  Elector 
Friedrich.  The  secret  signal  given  by  Father  Bonifacius, 
when  the  Count  entered  the  choir,  had  prepared  this  un- 
welcome sight  for  his  neighbor. 

While  the  men-at-arms  leaned  on  their  arquebuses,  in 
grave  attention  to  discipline,  the  Kniglit  of  Rhodes  and 
the  Abbe  were  occupied  in  paying  their  court  to  the  fair 
wife  of  the  Burgomaster  of  Duerckheim,  and  to  her  scarce 
fairer  daughter.  Young  Berchthold  stood  aloof  ;  watching 
the  interview  with  feelings  allied  equally  to  envy  and  jeal- 
ousy. 

"  A  fair  morning  and  a  comfortable  mass  to  you,  high- 
born Emich!"  cried  the  husband  and  father  heartily,  but 
lifting  his  cap,  as  the  noble  approached  the  spot  where  tlie 
burgher  stood,  waiting  for  this  meeting  ere  he  put  foot 
into  the  stirrup  ;  *'  I  had  thougiit  the  sight  of  your  fathers' 
altar  was  like  to  cheat  me  of  this  honor,  and  to  send  me 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  131 

away  without  a  word  from  your  friendly  and  much-prized 
grace." 

"  Between  thee  and  me,  Ilcinrich,  this  slight  could  not 
happen,"  answered  the  Count,  grasping  the  hand  of  the 
Burgomaster,  which  he  squeezed  with  the  cordiality  and 
vigor  of  a  soldier.  "  How  fareth  it  with  all  in  Ducrckheim, 
that  town  of  my  affection,  not  to  say  of  my  right  ? " 

"As  you  could  wish,  noble  Count,  and  well-disposed  to 
the  house  of  Leiningen.  In  all  that  pertaineth  to  love  of 
your  name  and  race,  we  lack  nothing." 

"  This  is  well,  honest  Heinrich  ;  it  may  yet  be  better — 
But  thou  wilt  do  me  grace  this  summer  morning?" 

*'  Nay,  it  is  for  your  grace  to  command  in  this  particular, 
and  for  one  like  me  to  obey." 

"  Herr  Heinrich,  hast  looked  well  at  these  knaves  of 
Friedrich  ?  Ha!  are  they  not  melancholy  and  ill-disposed 
at  being  cooped  with  Benedictines,  when  there  are  stirring 
times  in  the  Palatinate,  and  when  their  master  hath  as  much 
as  he  can  do  to  hold  his  court  in  Heidelberg !  Seest  thou 
aught  of  this  ?  " 

Emich  had  dropped  his  voice,  and  the  burgher  was  not 
a  man  to  express  more  in  answer  than  the  circumstances 
actually  required.  He  looked  eloquently,  however,  and  the 
exchange  of  glances  between  him  and  the  Count  betrayed 
the  nature  of  the  undertaking  that  connected  the  castle 
and  the  city. 

"  You  spoke  of  commanding  my  duty,  mein  Herr  Graf, 
and  it  is  fitting  I  should  know  in  what  manner  to  do  you 
pleasure." 

"  Nay,  'tis  no  pain-giving  penance  I  ask.  Turn  my 
horse's  head  towards  Hartcnburg,  and  share  of  my  poor 
fare,  with  a  loving  welcome,  for  an  hour  or  so." 

"  I  would  it  were  within  compass,  my  Lord  Coiuit,"  re- 
turned Heinrich,  casting  a  doubting  look  towards  Meta 
and  his  wife — "  but  these  Sunday  masses  are  matters  in 
which  the  women  love  to  deal  ;  and  from  tlie  first  sound  of 
the  matin  bell,  till  we  shut  the  gates  at  even,  I  scarce  call 
myself  master  of  a  thought." 

"By  the  Virgin  !  'Twould  seem  ill  indeed,  did  not  Har- 
tcnburg contain  a  roof  to  shelter  all  of  thy  name  and  love." 

"  There  are  noble  gentlemen  already  on  your  hosj^ital- 
ity,  and  I  would  wkA  fain  " 

"Name  tliem  not.  This  in  the  gav  doublet,  tliat  wear- 
eth  the  white  cross,  is  but  a  houseless  Knight  of  Rhodes, 


132  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

one  that  wandereth  like  the  dove  from  the  ark,  uncertain 
where  to  place  his  foot ;  and  he  of  black  vestments,  an  idle 
Abbe  from  among  tlie  French,  who  doth  little  else  but  prate 
with  the  women.  Leave  thy  female  gender  in  their  hands, 
for  they  are  much  accustomed  to  these  gallantries." 

"Zum  Henkcr !  most  nobly  born  eccellenz,  I  never 
doubted  their  handiness  in  all  idlenesses,  but  my  wife  hath 
little  humor  for  vain  attentions  of  this  nature,  and  not  to 
conceal  from  my  lord  any  of  our  humors,  I  will  confess  it 
is  as  little  to  my  pleasure  to  witness  so  much  ceremony 
with  a  woman.  \Vere  the  well-born  Ermengarde,  your  no- 
ble consort,  in  the  castle,  my  female  charge  might  be  glad 
to  pay  their  court  to  her,  but  in  her  absence  I  doubt  that 
they  will  cause  more  encumbrance  than  they  will  afford 
satisfaction." 

'*  Name  it  not,  honest  Heinrich,  but  leave  the  matter  to 
me.  As  for  these  idlers,  I  wall  find  them  occupation  when 
fairly  out  of  the  saddle  ;  so  will  I  not  excuse  the  youngest 
of  thy  name." 

The  warm,  frank  manner  of  the  noble  prevailed,  though 
the  arrangement  w\as  not  altogether  agreeable  to  the 
Burgomaster ;  but  in  that  age  hospitality  was  always  of  so 
direct  a  character  as  seldom  to  admit  of  denial  without 
sufficient  excuse.  Emich  now  paid  his  court  to  the  females. 
Smoothing  his  moustache  and  beard,  he  saluted  the  cheeks 
of  Ulricke,  with  affectionate  freedom,  and  then,  presum- 
ing on  liis  years  and  rank,  he  pressed  a  kiss  on  the  ruby 
lipsofMeta.  The  girl  blushed  and  laughed,  and  in  her 
confusion  courtesied,  as  if  in  acknowledgment  of  the  grace 
from  one  of  so  high  quality.  Heinrich  himself,  though  he 
so  little  liked  the  coquetry  of  the  strangers,  w^itnessed  these 
liberties  not  only  without  alarm  but  with  evident  content- 
ment. 

"  Many  thanks,  noble  Emich,  for  this  honor  to  my 
women,"  he  cried,  lifting  his  bonnet  again.  "  Meta  is  not 
used  to  these  compliments,  and  she  scarce  knoweth  rightly 
how  to  acknowledge  the  grace,  for  to  say  truth,  it  is 
not  often  that  her  cheek  feeleth  the  tickling  of  a  beard.  I 
am  no  saluter  of  her  sex,  and  there  are  none  in  Duerck- 
heim  that  may  so  presume." 

"  St.  Denis  defend  me  !  "  exclaimed  the  Abbe  ;  "  in  what 
shameful  negligence  have  we  fallen  !  "  saluting  the  mild 
Ulricke  on  the  instant,  and  repeating  the  same  ceremony 
with  the  daughter,  so  suddenly,  as  to  leave  none  present 


THE   IIKIDENMAUER.  133 

time  to  recover  from  their  surprise.  "Sir  Knight  of 
Rhodes,  we  appear  in  this  affair  as  but  of  indifferent 
breeding  !  " 

"  Hold,  cousin  of  Viederbacli,"  said  Emich,  laughing, 
while  he  placed  a  hand  before  his  kinsman — "  We  forget, 
all  this  time,  that  we  are  in  the  court  of  Limburg,  and 
that  salutations  wiiich  savor  so  mucli  cjf  earth  may  scan- 
dalize the  holy  Benedictines.  We  will  to  horse,  and  keep 
our  gallantries  for  a  better  season." 

The  forward,  impatient  movement  of  young  Berchthold 
was  self-checked,  and,  swallowing  his  discontent,  he  turned 
aside  to  conceal  his  vexation. 

In  the  meantime,  the  whole  party  prepared  to  mount. 
Although  repulsed  in  his  effort  to  obtain  a  salute  from  the 
fair  girl,  who  had  so  passively  received  these  liberties  from 
his  kinsman  and  the  Abbe,  the  Knight  of  Rhodes  busied 
himself  in  assisting  the  damsel  upon  the  crupper  of  her 
father's  saddle.  A  similar  office  was  performed  for  Ul- 
ricke  by  the  Count  of  Leiningen  himself,  and  then  the 
noble  threw  his  own  booted  and  heavy  leg  across  the  large 
and  strong-jointed  war-horse  that  was  pawing  the  pavxment 
of  the  court.  The  others  imitated  his  example,  even  to 
the  mounted  servitors,  who  were  numerous;  when,  doing- 
stately  reverence  to  the  large  crucifix  that  stood  before 
them,  the  whole  cavalcade  ambled  from  the  court. 

There  were  many  curious  spectators  around  the  outer 
gate,  among  whom  were  sundry  of  the  more  humble  de- 
pendants of  tlartcnburg,  purposely  collected  there,  by  an 
order  of  their  lord,  in  the  event  of  any  sudden  violence 
arising  from  his  visit  to  the  Abbey,  together  with  a  crowd 
of  mendicants. 

"Alms,  great  Emich!  Alms,  worthy  and  wealthy  IBiir- 
gomaster !  God's  blessing  on  ye  both,  and  holy  St.  Bene- 
dict heed  ye  in  his  prayers!  We  are  a-hungered  aiul 
a-cold,  and  we  crave  alms  at  your  honorable  hands!" 

"  Give  the  rogues  a  silver  pence,"  said  the  Count  to  the 
purse-bearer,  who  rode  in  his  train.  "They  have  a  starv- 
ing look,  in  sootli.  These  godly  Benedictines  have,  ('f 
late,  been  so  busied  between  their  garrison  and  their 
masses,  that  they  have  forgotten  to  feed  the  poor.  Come 
nearer,  friend  ;  art  thou  of  the  Jaegerthal  ?  " 

"No,  noble  Count.  I  come  from  a  pilgrimage  to  a  dis- 
tant shrine,  but  want  and  suffering  have  befallen  me  b)' 
the  way." 


134 


THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


"  Hast  pressed  the  monks  for  charity  ?  or  dost  thou  find 
them  too  much  engaged  in  godliness  to  remember  human 
suffering  ?  " 

"  Great  Coimt,  they  give  freely  ;  but  where  there  are 
many  mouths  to  feed,  there  needs  be  much  gold.  I  say 
naught  against  the  holy  community  of  Limburg,  which  is 
godly  in  charity,  as  in  grace." 

"Give  the  knave  a  kreutzer,"  growled  Heinrich  Frey ; 
"hast  thou  aught  to  show  in  the  way  of  authority  for  un- 
dertaking this  pilgrimage,  and  for  assailing  the  Elector's 
subjects  and  servitors  in  a  public  horse-path  ?" 

"Naught  but  thi^,  illustrious  Burgomaster," — Heinrich 
wore  his  chain  of  office — ''naught  but  the  commands  of 
my  confessor,  and  this  pass  of  our  own  chief  men." 

"Callest  this  naught  ?  Thou  speakest  of  a  legal  instru- 
ment of  high  quality,  an'  it  were  but  a  copy  of  silly 
rhymes  !  Hold!  thou  must  not  be  led  into  temptation  by 
too  much  want.     Meta,  wench,  hast  a  kreutzer?" 

"  Here  is  a  silver  pence,  that  may  better  suit  the  pil- 
grim's necessities,  father." 

"  God  keep  thee,  child  !  Dost  expect  to  escape  want 
thyself,  with  such  prodigality?  But  stay — there  are  many 
of  them,  and  the  piece  justly  distributed  might  do  good. 
Come  nearer,  friends.  Here  is  a  silver  zvvanziger,  which 
you  will  divide  honestly  into  twenty  parts,  of  which  two 
are  for  the  stranger,  for  to  him  are  we  most  indebted  by 
the  commands  of  God,  and  one  for  each  inhabitant  of  the 
valley,  not  forgetting  the  poor  woman  that,  in  your  haste, 
and  by  reason  of  her  years,  you  have  prevented  from 
drawing  near.  For  this  boon,  I  ask  prayers  of  you  in  be- 
half of  the  Elector,  the  city  of  Duerckheim,  and  the  fam- 
ily of  Frey." 

So  saying,  the  Burgomaster  pushed  ahead,  and  was  soon 
at  the  foot  of  the  mountain  of  Limburg.  The  train  of 
footmen,  who  had  lingered  to  witness  the  largess  of  the 
magistrate,  and  who  had  considered  the  indifference  of 
Emich  as  what  was  no  more  than  natural  in  one  placed  by 
Providence  in  a  situation  so  far  removed  from  vulgar  wants, 
was  about  to  follow,  when  a  lay-brother  of  the  convent 
touched  one  of  the  party  on  the  arm,  signing  for  him  to 
re-enter  the  court. 

"Thou  art  needed  further,  friend,"  whispered  the  lay- 
brother.  "Amuse  thyself  with  these  men-at-arms  till  they 
retire  :  then  seek  the  cloisters." 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  135 

A  nod  sufficed  to  tell  the  lay-brother  that  he  was  under- 
stood, and  he  immediately  disappeared.  The  follower  of 
Count  Emich  did  as  commanded,  loitering  in  the  court 
until  the  object  of  tlie  Abbot  was  accomplished,  that  of  ex- 
hibiting the  protection  of  the  Elector  to  his  dangerous 
neighbor,  and  the  arquebusiers  marched  to  their  quarters. 
The  road  was  no  sooner  clear,  than  the  peasant  who  had 
been  detained  proceeded  to  do  as  he  had  been  ordered. 

In  each  conventual  edifice  of  the  other  hemisphere,  there 
is  an  inner  court  surrounded  by  low  and  contemplative 
arcades  called  the  cloisters.  The  term  whicli  is  given  to 
the  seclusion  of  monastic  life  in  general,  and  to  the  ob- 
jects of  the  institution  itself,  in  an  arcliitectural  sense,  is 
limited  to  the  secluded  and  sombre  piazzas  just  mentioned. 
When  this  part  of  the  building  is  decorated,  as  often  hap- 
pens, with  the  elaborate  ornaments  of  the  Gotliic  style,  it 
is  not  easy  to  conceive  a  situation  more  happily  imagined 
for  the  purposes  of  reflection,  self-examination,  and  relig- 
ious calm.  To  us  the  cloisters  have  ever  appeared  preg- 
nant with  the  poetry  of  monkish  existence,  and,  Protest- 
ant as  wo  are,  we  never  yet  entered  one  without  feeling 
the  influence  of  that  holy  and  omnipotent  power  that  is 
thought  to  be  propitiated  by  conventual  seclusion.  In 
Italy,  the  land  of  vivid  thought  and  of  glorious  realities,  the 
pencils  of  the  greatest  masters  have  been  put  in  requisition 
to  give  the  cloisters  a  mild  attraction,  blended  with  lessons 
of  instruction,  that  are  in  strict  consonance  with  their  uses. 
Here  are  found  some  of  the  finest  remains  of  Raphael,  of 
Domenichino,  and  of  Andrea  del  Sarto  ;  and  the  traveller 
now  enters  vaulted  galleries,  that  the  monk  so  long  paced 
in  religious  hope  or  learned  abstraction,  to  visit  the  most 
prized  relics  of  art. 

The  dependant  of  Count  Emich  liad  no  difficulty  in  find- 
ing his  way  to  the  place  in  question,  for,  as  usual,  there 
was  a  direct  communication  between  the  cloisters  of  Lim- 
burg  and  the  church.  By  entering  the  latter  and  taking  a 
lateral  door,  which  was  known  to  lead  to  the  sacristy,  he 
found  himself  beneath  the  arcades,  in  the  midst  of  the 
touching  seclusion  described.  Against  the  walls  were  tab- 
lets with  Latin  inscriptions,  in  lionor  of  different  brothers 
who  had  been  distinguished  by  piety  and  knowledge  ;  and 
here  and  there  was  visible,  in  ivory  or  stone,  that  constant 
monitor  of  Catholic  worship,  the  crucifix. 

The  stranger  paused,  for  a  single   monk    paced  the    ar- 


136  THE  HEIDENM ALTER, 

cades,  and  his  mien  was  not  inviting  for  one  who  doubted 
of  his  reception.  At  least  so  thought  the  dependant  of 
Emich,  who  might  easily  have  mistaken  the  chastened  ex- 
pression of  Father  Arnolph's  features,  clouded  as  they 
now  were  with  care,  for  severity. 

"What  wouldst  thou?"  demanded  the  Prior,  when  a 
turn  brought  him  face  to  face  with  the  intruder. 

'*  Reverend  monk,  thy  much-prized  blessing." 

'*  Kneel,  and  receive  it,  son.  Thou  art  doubly  blest ; 
in  seeking  consolation  from  the  Church,  and  in  avoiding 
the  fatal  heresies  of  the  times." 

The  Prior  repeated  the  benediction,  made  the  usual  sign 
of  grace,  and  motioned  for  the  other  to  rise. 

"Wouldst  thou  aught  else  ? "  he  asked,  observing  that 
the  peasant  did  not  retire,  as  was  usual  for  those  w^ho  re- 
ceived this  favor. 

"Naught — unless  yonder  brother  hath  occasion  for 
me." 

The  face  of  Siegfried  was  thrust  through  a  door  which 
led  to  the  cells.  The  countenace  of  the  Prior  changed 
like  that  of  one  who  had  lost  all  confidence  in  the  inten- 
tions of  his  companion,  and  he  pursued  his  way  along  the 
arcade.  The  other  glided  past,  and  disappeared  by  the 
door  which  he  had  been  covertly  invited  to  enter. 

It  has  already  been  said  that  the  Benedictine  is  an  order 
of  hospitality.  A  principal  building  of  the  hill  was  es- 
pecially devoted  to  the  comforts  of  the  Abbot,  and  to 
those  of  the  travellers  it  was  ahvays  his  duty,  and  in  the 
case  of  Father  Bonifacius  scarcely  less  often  his  pleasure, 
to  entertain.  Here  were  seen  some  signs  of  the  great 
wealth  of  the  monastery,  though  it  was  wealth  chastened 
by  forms,  and  restricted  by  opinion  ;  still  there  w^as  little 
of  self-denial,  or  indeed  of  any  of  that  self-mortification 
which  is  commonly  thought  to  be  the  inseparable  attend- 
ant of  the  cell.  The  rooms  w^ere  wainscoted  with  dark 
oak  ;  emblems  of  religious  faith,  in  costly  materials, 
abounded  ;  nor  was  there  any  w^ant  of  velvet  and  other 
stuffs,  all  however  of  sober  colors,  though  of  intrinsic 
value.  Father  Siegfried  ushered  the  peasant  into  one  of 
the  most  comfortable  of  these  rooms.  It  was  the  cabinet 
of  the  Abbot,  who,  having  thrown  aside  the  robes  of  office 
in  which  he  so  lately  appeared  in  the  choir,  and,  ungirt 
and  divested  of  all  the  churchly  pomp  in  w^hich  he  had 
just  shown  himself  to  the  people,  was  now  taking  his  ease, 


THE   HRIDENMAURR.  137 

with  the  indolence  of  a  student,  and  with  some  of  the 
neglic^encc  of  a  debauchee. 

"  Here  is  the  youth  I  have  named  to  you,  holy  Abbot," 
said  Father  Siegfried,  motioning  his  companion  to  advance. 

Bonifacius  laid  down  a  parchment-covered  and  illu- 
minated volume,  one  but  lately  issued  from  the  press, 
rubbing  his  eyes  like  a  man  suddenly  roused  from  a 
dreamy  abstraction. 

"Truly,  Brother  Siegfried,  these  knaves  of  Leipzig  have 
done  wonders  with  their  art !  Not  a  word  can  I  find 
astray,  or  a  thought  concealed.  God  knows  to  what  pass 
of  information  this  excess  of  knowledge,  so  long  sacred  to 
the  learned,  may  yet  lead  us  !  The  office  of  a  librarian  will 
no  longer  be  of  rare  advantages,  or  scarcely  of  repute." 

**  Have  we  not  proofs  of  the  evil  in  the  growing  in- 
fidelity, and  in  the  manifest  insubordination  of  the  times  ?" 

"It  were  better  for  all  their  souls,  and  their  present  re- 
pose, that  fewer  did  the  thinking  in  this  troublesome  world 
— Thou  art  named  Johan,  son  ?  " 

"  Gottlob,  most  reverend  Abbot,  by  your  leave,  and 
with  the  Church's  favor." 

"  'Tis  a  pious  appellation,  and  I  trust  thou  dost  not 
forget  to  obey  the  duty  of  which  it  should  hourly  remind 
thee." 

"In  that  particular  I  can  say  that  I  praise  God,  father, 
for  all  the  benefits  I  receive,  and  were  they  double  what 
they  are,  I  feel  that  within  me  which  says  I  could  go  on 
rendering  thanks  forever,  for  gracious  gifts." 

The  answer  of  Gcjttlob  caused  the  Abbot  to  turn  his 
head.  After  studying  the  demure  expression  of  the  young 
man's  face  intently  he  continued  — 

"This  is  well  ;  thou  art  a  huntsman  in  Count  Emich's 
household?" 

"  His  cow-herd,  holy  Abbot,  and  a  huntsman  in  the 
bargain  ;  for  a  more  scampering,  self-losing  trouble- 
giving  family  is  not  to  be  found  in  the  Palatinate,  than 
this  of  mine  !  " 

*  "I  reniember  it  was  a  cow-herd;  thou  dealt  a  little 
lightly  with  my  brother  Siegfried  here,  in  pretending  thou 
wert  of  Duerckheim,  and  not  of  the  castle." 

"To  speak  fairly  to  your  reverence,  there  was  some 
business  between  us;  for  be  it  known  to  you,  holy  Abbot, 
a  cow -herd  is  made  t(3  suffer  fc^r  all  the  frolics  of  his  beasts, 
and  so  I  preferred  to  do  penance  simply  for  my  own  back- 


'S 


8  T//E  HEIDENMAUER. 


slidings,  without  white-washing  tlie  conscience  of  all  Lord 
Emich's  cattle  in  the  bargain." 

The  Abbot  turned  again,  and  this  time  his  look  was  still 
longer  and  more  scrutinizing  than  before. 

"  Hast  thou  heard  of  Luther?" 

"  Does  your  reverence  mean  the  drunken  cobbler  of 
Duercklieim." 

^'  I  mean  the  monk  of  Wittenberg,  knave  :  though,  by  St. 
Benedict !  thou  hast  not  unaptly  named  the  rebel ;  for 
truly  doth  he  cobble  that  would  fain  mend  the  offices  or 
discipline  of  Holy  Church  !  I  ask  if  thou  hast  sullied  thy 
understanding  and  weakened  thy  faith,  by  lending  ear  to 
this  damnable  heresy,  that  is  abroad  in  our  Germany  ?" 

"St.  Benedict  and  the  blessed  Maria  keep  your  rever- 
ence in  mind,  according  to  your  deserts?  What  hath  a 
pocjr  cow-herd  to  do  with  questions  that  trouble  the  souls 
of  the  learned,  and  cause  even  the  peaceably  disposed  to 
becomie  quarrelsome  and  warlike  ?" 

"  Thou  hast  received  a  schooling  above  thy  fortune — 
Art  of  the  Jaegerthal  ? " 

"  Born  and  nurtured,  holy  Abbot.  We  are  of  long  stand- 
ing in  the  valley,  and  few  families  are  better  known  for 
skill  in  rearing  beeves,  or  for  dealing  cunningly  with  a  herd, 
than  that  of  which  I  come,  humble  and  poor  as  I  may 
seem  to  your  reverence." 

"  I  doubt  but  there  is  as  much  seeming  as  reality  in  this 
indifferent  opinion  of  thyself.  But  thou  hast  had  an  ex- 
planation with  Brother  Siegfried,  and  w^e  count  on  thy 
services.  Thou  knowest  the  power  of  the  Church,  son, 
and  cannot  be  ignorant  of  its  disposition  to  deal  merci- 
fully with  those  that  do  it  homage,  nor  of  its  displeasure 
when  justly  angered.  We  are  disposed  to  deal  in  in- 
creased kindness  with  those  who  do  not  stray  from  the 
fold,  at  this  moment  when  the  Devils  are  abroad  scattering 
the  ignorant  and  helpless." 

"  Notwithstanding  all  you  have  said,  most  reverend  Ab- 
bot, concerning  the  trifle  1  have  gleaned  in  the  way  of , 
education,  I  am  too  little  taught  to  understand  aught  but 
plain  speech.  In  the  matter  of  a  bargain  it  might  be  well 
to  name  the  conditions  clearly,  lest  a  poor,  but  well-mean- 
ing, youth  should  happen  to  be  damned,  simply  because 
he  hath  little  knowledge  of  Latin,  or  cannot  clearly  un- 
derstand what  hath  not  been  clearly  said." 

"  I  have  no  other  meaning  than  that  thy  pious  conduct 


rilE  IIEIDENMAUER.  139 

will  be  remembered  at  tlie  altar  and  the  confessional  ;  and 
tliat  indulgences,  and  other  lenities,  will  not  be  forgotten 
when  there  is  question  of  thee." 

''This  is  excellent,  holy  Abbot,  for  those  that  may  profit 
by  it — but,  St.  Benedict  help  us !  of  what  account  would 
it  all  be,  were  Lord  Emich  to  threaten  his  people  with  the 
dungeon  and  stripes,  should  any  dare  t(j  frequent  the 
altars  of  I.imbiu'g,  or  otherwise  to  have  dealings  with  the 
reverend  brotherhood?" 

"  Dost  think  our  prayers,  or  our  authority,  cannot  pene- 
trate the  walls  of  Hartenburg?" 

"  Of  that,  most  powerful  Bonifacius,  I  say  nothing, 
since  I  never  have  yet  profited  in  the  way  you  mean.  The 
dungeon  of  Hartenburg  and  I  are  not  strangers  to  each 
other  ;  and,  were  I  to  speak  my  most  intimate  thoughts, 
it  would  be  to  say,  that  St.  Benedict  himself  would  find 
it  no  easy  matter  to  open  its  doors,  or  to  soften  its  pave- 
ments, so  long  as  the  Count  was  in  an  angry  humor.  Potz 
Tausend,  holy  Abbot !  it  is  well  to  speak  of  miracles  and 
of  indulgences  ;  but  let  him  who  imagines  that  either  is 
about  to  make  that  damp  and  soul-chilling  hole  warm  and 
pleasant,  pass  a  night  within  its  walls  in  November  !  He 
may  enter  with  as  much  faith  in  the  Abbey  prayers  as  he 
will  ;  but  if  he  do  not  come  forth  with  great  dread  of  Lord 
Emich's  displeasure,  why,  he  is  not  flesh  and  blood,  but  a 
burning  kiln  in  the  form  of  mortality!" 

Father  Bonifacius  saw  that  it  was  useless  endeavoring 
to  influence  the  mind  of  the  cow-herd  in  the  vulgar  man- 
ner, and  he  had  recourse  to  surer  means.  Motioning  his 
companion  to  hand  him  a  little  casket,  externally  dec- 
orated with  many  (;f  the  visible  signs  of  tiie  Christian 
faith,  he  tf)ok  out  of  it  a  purse,  that  wanted  for  neitlier 
size  nor  weight.  The  eyes  of  Gottlob  glistened-;— had  not 
the  monks  been  much  occupied  in  examining  the  gold, 
they  miglit  have  suspected  that  the  pleasure  he  betrayed 
was  a  little  affected — and  he  manifested  a  strong  disposi- 
tion to  know  the  contents  of  a  bag  that  had  so  many  out- 
ward signs  of  value. 

"This  will  make  peace  and  create  faith  between  us," 
said  the  Abbcjt,  handing  a  golden  mark  to  (xottlob.  *'  Here 
is  that  which  tiie  dullest  comprehension  can  understand  ; 
and  whose  merits,  I  doubt  not,  will  be  sufficiently  clear  to 
one  of  thy  ready  wit." 

"Your  reverence  does  not  over-value  my  means,"  an- 


I40  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

swered  the  cow-herd,  who  pocketed  the  piece  without  fur- 
ther ceremony.  "Were  our  good  Mother  of  the  Cliurch 
to  take  this  method  of  securing  friends,  she  might  hiugh 
at  all  the  Luthers  between  the  Lake  of  Constance  and  the 
ocean,  him  of  Wittenberg  among  the  number  :  but,  by 
some  strange  oversight,  she  has  of  late  done  more  towards 
taking  away  the  people's  gold,  than  towards  bestowing  !  I 
am  rejoiced  to  find  that  the  mistake  is  at  last  discovered  ; 
and  chiefly  am  I  glad,  that  one,  poor  and  unworthy  as  I, 
has  been  among  the  first  that  she  is  pleased  to  make  an 
instrument  of  her  new  intentions !  " 

The  Abbot  appeared  at  a  loss  to  understand  the  charac- 
ter of  his  agent  ;  but,  being  a  worldly  and  selfish  man 
himself,  he  counted  rather  loosely  on  the  influence  of  a 
meditator  whose  potency  is  tacitly  admitted  by  all  of  mer- 
cenary propensities.  He  resumed  his  seat,  therefore,  like 
one  who  saw  little  necessity  for  farther  concealment,  and 
went  directly  to  the  true  object  of  the  interview. 

"Thou  hast  something  to  communicate  from  the  Castle 
of  Hartenburg,  good  Gottlob  ? " 

*'If  it  be  your  reverence's  pleasure  to  listen." 

"  Proceed — Canst  tell  aught  of  the  force  Emich  hath 
gathered  in  the  hold  ?  " 

"  Mein  Herr  Abbot,  it  is  no  easy  matter  to  count  varlets 
that  go  staggering  about,  from  the  moment  the  sun  touches 
your  Abbey  towers,  to  that  in  which  he  sets  behind  the 
Teufelstein." 

"  Hast  thou  not  means  of  separating  them  in  divisions, 
and  of  making  the  enumerations  of  each  apart  ? " 

"  Holy  Abbot,  that  experiment  hath  failed.  I  divided 
them  into  the  drunk  and  the  sober  ;  but,  for  the  life  of 
me,  I  could  never  o^et  them  all  to  be  lono:  enousfh  of  the 
same  mind,  to  hunt  up  those  that  were  in  garrets  and  cel- 
lars ;  for  while  this  slept  off  his  debauch,  that  swallowed 
cup  after  cup,  in  a  manner  to  recruit  the  drunkards  as  fast 
as  they  lost.  It  were  far  easier  to  know  the  Emperor's 
policy,  than  to  count  Lord  Emich's  followers  !" 

"  Still  they  are  many." 

"They  are  and  they  are  not,  as  one  happens  to  view 
soldiership.  In  the  way  of  draining  a  butt,  Duke  Fried- 
rich  would  find  them  a  powerful  corps,  even  in  an  attack 
against  his  Heidelberg  tun  ;  and  yet  I  doubt  whether  he 
would  think  them  of  much  account  in  the  pressing  war- 
fare he  wageth." 


THE  HEIDE\^MAUER.  141 

"  Go  to — tliou  art  too  indirect  in  thy  answers  for  ihc 
duty  thou  hast  undertaken.  Return  the  gold  if  thou  re- 
fusest  the  service." 

"  I  pray  thee,  reverend  Abbot,  to  remember  the  risks  I 
have  ah'cady  run  in  this  desperate  undertaking,  and  to 
consider  that  the  tritle  you  have  so  munificently  bestowed, 
is  already  more  than  earned  by  the  danger  of  my  ears,  to 
say  nothing  of  great  loss  of  reputation,  and  some  pricking 
of  conscience.*' 

*'  This  clown  hath  tampered  with  thee.  Father  Sieg- 
fried," said  the  Abbot,  in  a  tone  of  reproach  to  the  attend- 
ing monk  :  "he  even  dares  to  make  light  of  our  presence 
and  office  ! " 

"We  have  the  means  of  recalling  him  to  his  respect,  as 
well  as  to  a  remembrance  of  his  engagements." 

"  Thou  sayest  true  :  let  the  remedies  be  applied — but 
hold  !  " 

During  this  brief  colloquy  between  the  Benedictines, 
Father  Siegfried  had  touched  a  cord,  and  a  lay-brother,  of 
vigorous  frame,  showed  himself.  At  a  signal  from  the 
mcmk,  he  laid  a  hand  on  an  arm  of  the  unresisting  Gott- 
lob,  and  was  about  to  lead  him  from  the  room,  when  the 
last  w-ords  of  the  Abbot,  and  another  signal  frcjm  Father 
Siegfried,  caused  him  to  pause. 

Bonifacius  leaned  a  cheek  on  his  hand,  and  mused  long 
on  the  policy  of  the  step  he  was  about  to  take.  The  rela- 
tions between  the  Abbey  and  the  Castle,  to  adopt  diplo- 
matic language,  were  precisely  in  that  awkward  state  in 
which  it  was  almost  as  hazardous  to  recede  as  to  advance. 
To  imprison  a  vassal  of  the  Count  of  Hartenburg,  might 
bring  matters  to  an  immediate  issue  ;  and  yet,  to  permit 
him  to  quit  the  convent,  was  to  deprive  the  brotherhood 
of  the  means  of  extracting  the  information  it  was  so  im- 
portant to  obtain,  and  to  procure  which  had  been  the 
principal  inducement  of  attending  the  debauch  already 
described,  at  a  moment  when  there  was  so  little  real  amity 
between  the  revellers.  The  precaution  of  Emich  had 
frustrated  this  well-laid  scheme,  and  the  result  of  the  ex- 
periment had  been  too  costly  to  admit  of  repetition.  There 
was  also  hazard  in  permitting  Gottlob  to  return  to  Harten- 
burg, for  the  expectations  and  hostile  spirit  of  tlie  Abbey 
had  been  so  unadvisedly  exposed  to  tlie  hind,  as  to  render 
it  certain  he  would  relate  what  had  occurred.  It  was  desi- 
rable,  too,   to  maintain  an   appearance  of  confidence,  ah 


142 


THE  HEIDENMAUER, 


though  so  little  was  felt ;  for  the  monk  well  knew,  that 
next  to  friendship,  its  apparent  existence  was  of  account 
in  preventing  tlie  usual  expedients  of  open  hostility. 
Agents  were  at  Heidelberg,  pressing  the  Elector  on  a  point 
of  the  last  concern  to  the  welfare  of  the  brotherhood  ;  and 
it  was  particularly  material  that  Emich  should  not  be 
driven  to  any  overt  act  before  the  result  of  this  mission 
was  known.  In  short,  these  two  little  powers  were  in  a 
condition  similar  to  that  in  which  some  greater  communi- 
ties have  been  known  to  exist,  instinctively  alive  to  the 
opposing  character  of  their  respective  interests,  and  yet 
tampering  with  the  denouement,  because  neitlier  was  yet 
prepared  to  proclaim  all  it  washed,  meditated,  and  hoped 
to  be  able  to  attain.  In  the  meantime,  there  was  an  osten- 
sible courtesy  between  the  belligerent  parties,  occasionally 
obscured  by  bursts  of  natural  feeling,  which,  in  politics, 
the  world  calls  bonhommie,  but  wliich  would,  perhaps,  be 
better  termed  by  the  frank  designation  of  artifice. 

The  Abbot  was  so  much  accustomed  to  this  sort  of  politic 
reflection,  that  all  these  considerations  passed  before  his 
mind  in  less  time  than  we  have  consumed  in  enumerating 
them.  Still  the  pause  was  salutary  ;  for,  when  he  resumed 
the  discourse,  he  spoke  like  one  whose  decision  was  sup- 
ported by  thought. 

"  Thou  wilt  tarry  with  us  a  little,  Gottlob,  for  the  good 
of  thy  soul,"  he  said,  making  a  sign  that  was  understood 
by  his  inferiors. 

"  A  thousand  thanks,  humane  and  godly  Abbot.  Next 
to  the  present  good  of  my  body,  I  look  with  most  concern 
to  the  future  condition  of  my  poor  soul ;  and  there  is  great 
comfort  and  consolation  in  your  gracious  words.  It  is  but 
the  sou]  of  a  poor  man  ;  but,  being  my  all,  in  the  way  of 
souls,  it  must  needs  be  taken  care  of." 

''  The  discipline  we  meditate  will  be  healthful.  Brothers, 
lead  the  penitent  to  his  cell." 

The  singular  indifference  with  which  Gottlob  heard  his 
doom,  might  have  given  the  Abbot  motive  for  reflection, 
had  he  not  been  so  much  occupied  by  other  thoughts.  As 
it  was,  the  hind  accompanied  the  lay  brother  without  re- 
sistance, and  indeed  with  the  manner  of  one  who  appeared 
to  think  he  was  a  gainer  by  this  especial  notice  from  the 
commruiity  of  Limburg.  So  natural  and  easy  was  the  air 
of  Gottlob,  as  they  took  the  direction  of  a  gloomy  corri- 
dor, that  Father  Siegfried  began  to  believe  he  had  cm- 


THE  HEIDENMAUER,  143 

ployed  an  agent  whose  mind,  shrewd  and  peculiar  as  it 
seemed  at  times,  was  in  truth  subject  to  moments  of  more 
than  usual  imbecility  and  dulness.  He  placed  the  cow- 
herd in  a  cell,  pointed  to  a  crucifix,  its  only  article  of  fur- 
niture, and,  without  deeming  it  necessary  even  to  secure 
the  door,  retired. 


CHAPTER   XI. 


■"The  Lady  Valeria  is  come 


To  visit  you." — Coriolamis. 

A  SHORT  ride  brought  the  cavalcade  of  Count  Emich  to 
the  gates  of  Hartenburg.  When  all  had  alighted,  and  the 
guests,  with  the  more  regular  inmates  of  the  castle,  were 
ushered  into  the  hall,  the  lord  of  the  hold  again  saluted 
Ulrike  and  her  daughter.  This  freedom  was  the  privilege 
of  his  rank,  and  of  his  character  as  host  ;  and  for  its  exer- 
cise, he  once  more  received  the  grateful  acknowledgments 
of  Heinrich  Frey.  The  females  were  then  committed  to 
the  care  of  Gisela,  the  warder's  daughter,  who,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  its  more  noble  mistress,  happened  to  be  the  pre- 
siding person  of  her  sex  in  the  place. 

"  Thou  art  thrice  welcome,  upright  and  loyal  Heinrich  !  " 
exclaimed  the  Count,  heartily,  while  he  led  the  Burgomas- 
ter by  the  hand,  into  one  of  the  rooms  of  honor — "  None 
know  thy  worth,  and  thy  constancy  to  thy  friends,  better 
than  the  master  of  this  poor  castle  ;  and  none  love  thee 
better." 

*' Thanks,  well-born  Emich,  and  such  duty  as  one  of 
poor  birth  and  breeding  can  and  siujuld  pay  to  a  noble  so 
honored  and  prized.  I  am  little  used  to  courtesies,  beyond 
those  which  we  burghers  give  and  take  in  the  streets,  and 
may  not  do  myself  full  justice  in  the  expression  of  rever- 
ence and  respect,  but  I  pray  you,  Herr  Count,  to  take  the 
desire  for  the  performance." 

"  Wert  thou  tlie  Emperor's  most  favored  chamberlain, 
thy  speech  could  not  dcj  thee  mcjre  credit.  Though  Duerck- 
heim  be  not  Madrid,  it  is  a  well-respected  and  courtly  city, 
and  ncMie  need  envy  the  I^oman,  or  the  Parisian,  that 
dwelleth  there.  Here  is  my  kinsman  of  Viederbach,  a 
knight  that  Providence  hath  cast  a  little  loosely  upon  the 
world  since  the  downfall  of  his  Mediterranean  island  of 


141  TITB   IIEIDENMAUER. 

Rhodes,  unci  who  hath  travelled  far  and  near,  and  he  swears, 
daily,  tliv  town  hath  no  parallel,  for  its  dimensions." 

"Considered  as  a  mountain  city  of  no  great  magnitude, 
meine  Herren,  we  do  not  blush  at  the  aspect  of  our  an- 
cient walls." 

"Thou  needest  not,  and  thou  must  have  noted  that  I 
spoke  in  reference  to  its  size.  Monsieur  Latotiche  is  a 
gentleman  that  cometh  from  the  capital  of  King  Francis 
itself  ;  and  no  later  than  this  morning,  he  remarked  on  the 
neatness,  and  wealth,  and  other  matters  of  consideration, 
that  make  tliemselves  apparent,  even  to  the  stranger,  in  thy 
w^ell-governed  and  prosperous  borough." 

The  Burgomaster  acknowledged  the  compliment,  by  a 
profound  inclination  and  a  gratified  eye,  for  no  flattery  is 
so  palpable  as  not  to  meet  a  welcome  with  tliose  who  labor 
for  public  distinction;  and  Emich  well  knew,  that  the 
police  and  order  of  his  city  were  weak  spots  in  Heinrich 
Frey's  humility. 

"Lord  Emich  scarce  does  me  justice,"  returned  the 
pliant  Abbe,  "  since  I  found  many  other  causes  of  admira- 
tion. The  deference  that  is  paid  to  rank  in  thy  populace, 
and  the  manner  in  w^iich  the  convenience  of  the  honor- 
able is  respected,  are  particularly  wortliy  of  commendation." 

"The  churchman  is  right,  Lord  Emich — for,  of  all  the 
towns  in  Germany,  I  do  not  think  it  easy  to  find  another 
in  which  the  poor  and  base  are  so  well  taught  to  refrain 
from  thrusting  their  importunities  and  disadvantages  on 
the  gentle,  as  in  our  Duerckheim.  I  think  my  lord  the 
Count  must  have  observed  the  strict  severity  and  cautious 
justice  of  our  rules  in  this  particular." 

"None  know  them  better,  nor  does  any  heed  them  more. 
I  cannot  recall  the  moment,  cousin  Albrecht,  when  any 
unpleasant  intrusion  on  my  privileges  hath  ever  occurred 
within  its  gates.  But  I  keep  you  from  refreshing  your- 
selves, worthy  friends.  Give  us  leave  a  little ; — we  will 
seek  y(ju  again,  at  your  own  convenience." 

The  Knight  and  the  Abbe  took  this  intimation  of  the 
desire  of  the  Count  to  be  alone  wath  the  Bursfomaster  in 
good  part,  and  withdrew  without  unnecessary  delay.  When 
alone,  Emich  again  took  Heinrich  Frey  by  the  hand,  and 
led  him  away  into  a  part  of  the  castle  where  none  pre- 
sumed to  intrude  without  an  especial  errand.  Here  he 
entered  one  of  those  narrow  rooms,  which  were  devoted  to 
secret  uses,  and  which  was  well  termed  a  closet,  being  in 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  145 

effect  but  little  larger  and  scarcely  better  lighted,  than  the 
straitened  apartments  to  which  we  give  the  same  appel- 
lation in  these  later  times. 

When  fairly  protected  from  observation,  and  removed 
beyond  the  danger  of  eaves-droppers  and  spies,  the  Count 
threw  aside  his  cloak,  unbuckled  his  sword-belt,  and  as- 
sumed the  manner  of  one  at  his  ease.  The  Burgomaster 
took  a  seat  on  a  stool,  in  deference  to  his  companion's 
rank  ;  while  the  latter,  without  seeming  sensible  of  the  act, 
seated  himself  at  his  side,  in  the  only  chair  that  the  closet 
contained.  Whoever  has  had  much  intercourse  with 
Asiatics,  or  w^ith  Mussulmans  of  the  southern  shore  of  the 
Mediterranean,  must  have  frequently  observed  the  silent, 
significant  manner  with  which  they  regard  each  other, 
when  disposed  to  court  or  to  yield  confidence  ;  the  eye 
gradually  kindling,  and  the  muscles  of  the  mouth  relaxing, 
until  the  feeling  is  fully  betrayed  in  a  smile.  This  is  one 
of  the  means  employed  by  men  who  dwell  under  despotic 
and  dangerous  governments,  and  where  the  social  habits 
are  much  tinctured  with  vicjlencc  and  treachery,  of  assur- 
ing one  another  of  secret  faith  and  readv  support.  There 
is  a  sort  of  similar  freemasonry  in  all  conditions  of  life,  in 
which  frank  and  just  institutions  do  not  spread  their  mantle 
equally  over  the  powerful  and  the  weak,  superseding,  by 
the  majesty  of  the  law,  the  necessity  of  these  furtive  ap- 
peals to  the  pledges  and  sympathies  of  confidants.  Such, 
in  some  degree,  was  the  nature  of  the  conimunication  with 
which  Emich  of  Hartenburg  now  connuenced  his  private 
intercourse  with  Heinrich  Frey.  The  Count  first  laid  his 
square,  bony  hand  on  the  knee  of  tlie  Burgomaster,  which 
he  squeezed  until  the  iron  fingers  were  nearlv  buried  in 
the  fleshy  protuberance.  Each  turned  his  head  toward  his 
companion,  looking  askance,  as  if  they  mutually  under- 
st(jod  the  meaning  of  what  was  conveyed  by  this  silent 
cofjuetry.  Still,  notwithstanding  the  apparent  comminiity 
of  thought  and  confidence,  the  countenance  and  air  of 
each  was  distinguislKHl  bv  tlu^  personal  character  and  the 
social  station  cjf  the  individual.  The  eye  of  the  Baron  was 
bc)ih  more  decided,  and  more  openly  meaning,  than  that 
of  the  Burgomaster;  while  the  smik*  of  the  latter  appeared 
rather  like  a  faint  reflection  of  th(^  inviting  expression  of 
the  former,  than  the  effect  of  any  inwaid  impulse. 

"  Mast  heard  of  last  night's  success  ?"  abruptly  demand- 
ed the  Count. 
10 


146  THE   IIEIDENMAUER. 

*'  Nothing  of  the  sort  hath  gladdened  me,  Herr  Count ; 
my  heart  yearns  to  know  all,  if  it  touches  your  high  in- 
terests." 

"The  mass-singing  rogues  are  stripped  of  their  wine- 
tribute  !  Of  that  much  are  they  fairly  and  legally  disbur- 
thened !  Thou  knowest  of  our  long-intended  trial  of 
heads  ;  I  had  intended  to  have  prayed  thee  to  be  a  second  at 
the  banquet,  but  the  presence  of  these  idlers  put  some  re- 
straint on  my  hospitality.  Thou  wouldest  have  proved  a 
stanch  second  in  such  an  onset,  Heinrich  !  " 

"  I  thank  my  lord  the  Count,  and  shall  deem  the  grace 
as  good  as  acccnnplished  in  the  wish.  I  am  not  worse 
than  anotlier  at  board,  and  may  boast  of  some  endurance 
in  the  way  of  liquor,  but  the  seriousness  of  the  times  ad- 
monishes us,  of  civic  authority,  to  be  prudent.  There  is 
a  wish  in  the  people  to  be  admitted  to  certain  unreason- 
able and  grave  privileges,  such  as  the  right  of  vending 
their  wares  in  the  market-place  at  unseasonable  hours, 
when  the  convenience  of  the  burgomasters  would  be  much 
vexed  by  the  concession  ;  and  other  similar  innovations, 
against  which  we  must  make  a  firm  stand,  lest  they  come, 
in  time,  to  invade  our  general  authority  and  cause  an  un- 
natural convulsion.  Were  we  to  give  way  to  pretensions 
so  extravagant,  Herr  Count,  the  town  would  come  to 
general  confusion  ;  and  the  orderly  and  respectable  city  of 
Duerckheim  would  justly  merit  to  be  compared  to  the 
huts  of  those  countries  of  which  they  speak  in  the  distant 
land  of  America,  that  hath  so  much,  of  late,  given  cause 
to  writings  and  conversation.  We  need,  therefore,  look  to 
the  example  set  ;  for  we  have  busy  enemies,  w^ho  make 
the  most  of  the  smallest  indulgences.  At  another  time,  I 
would  gladly  have  drained  Heidelberg  to  your  gracious 
honor." 

"  Thou  wouldest  not  have  been  in  danger  of  observation 
here  ;  and,  by  the  tliree  holy  Kings  of  Koeln,  I  should  know 
how  to  tutor  any  prying  knave  that  might  chance  to  thrust 
a  curious  eye  within  these  walls  !  But  thy  discretion  is 
worthy  of  thy  prudence,  Heinrich  ;  fur,  with  thee,  I  deem 
the  time  serious  for  all  lovers  of  established  order,  and  of 
the  peace  of  mankind.  What  would  the  knaves,  that  they 
thus  trouble  tliy  authority?  Are  they  not  fed  and  clad? 
and  do  they  not  now  possess  privileges  out  of  number  ? 
The  greedy  rogues,  if  left  to  their  humors,  would  fain  envy 
their    betters    each    delicate    morsel    they   carry   to   their 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  147 

mouths,  or  each  drop  of  generous  rhenish  that  moistens 
their  lips  !" 

"  I  fear,  well-born  Emich,  that  this  spirit  of  covetous- 
ness  is  in  their  vile  natures  .'  I  have  rarely  consented  to  any 
little  yielding  to  their  entreaties,  such  as  a  wish  to  swell 
out  the  time  of  their  merrymakings,  or  a  desire  like  this  of 
the  market-place,  that  the  taste  of  the  indulgence  hath  not 
given  a  relish  for  fuller  fare.  No  ;  he  that  would  govern 
quietly,  and  at  his  own  ease,  must  govern  thorouglily  ; 
else  shall  we  all  become  illiterate  savages,  fitter  for  the 
forests  of  these  Indies,  than  for  our  present  rational  and 
charitable  civilization." 

"  Braver  words  were  never  uttered  in  thy  council-hall, 
and  well  do  I  know  the  head  that  conceived  them !  Had 
there  been  occasion  to  have  summoned  thee  hither  for  the 
banquet,  the  excuse  should  have  satisfied,  though  the  vine- 
yards were  the  forfeiture.  But  what  didst  think,  friend 
lleinrich,  of  the  priests  to-day,  and  of  their  warlike  com- 
pany ! " 

"  'Tis  plain  Duke  Friedrich  still  upholds  them  ;  and  to 
deal  frankly  with  my  lord  the  Count,  the  men-at-arms  have 
the  air  of  fellows  that  are  not  likely  to  yield  the  hill  with- 
out fair  contention." 

"Thinkest  thou  thus.  Burgomaster?  'Twere  a  thousand 
pities  that  men  of  tried  mettle  should  do  each  other  harm, 
for  the  benefits  and  pleasure  of  a  community  of  shaven 
Benedictines  !  What  is  there  to  urge  in  favor  of  pretensions 
so  audacious  as  these  they  prefer,  and  which  are  so  offen- 
sive, both  to  me,  as  a  noble  of  the  empire,  and  to  all  of  any 
note  or  possessions  in  Duerckheim  ?" 

*'  They  lay  great  stress,  Herr  Count,  on  the  virtue  of 
ancient  usages,  and  on  the  sacred  origin  of  their  mission." 

"  As  much  respect  as  thou  wilt  for  rights  that  are  sealed 
bv  time,  for  such  is  the  stamp  that  gives  value  to  my  own 
fair  claims  ;  and  many  of  tiiy  city  privileges  come  chiefly 
of  use.  But  the  matter  between  us  is  of  abuse  ;  and  I  hold 
it  to  be  unworthy  of  those  who  can  right  themselves,  to 
submit  to  wrong.  Do  the  monks  still  press  the  town  for 
dues  ?" 

*'  With  offensive  importunity.  If  matters  be  not  quickly 
stayed,  we  shall  c(Mne  to  open  and  indecent  dissension." 

"  I  would  give  a  winter's  enjoyment  of  my  chases,  were 
Friedrich  more  sorely  pressed  !  "  exclaimed  the  Count,  lay- 
ing ills  hand  again  on  tlie  Burg^omaster's  knee,  whose  coun- 


148  THE   HEJDENMAUER. 

tciiance  he  studied  with  a  significance  that  was  not  lost  on 
his  companion.  "  I  speak  merely  in  the  manner  of  his 
being  driven  to  know  his  true  and  fast  friends  from  those 
who  are  false." 

Heinrich  Frey  remained  silent. 

"  The  Elector  is  a  mild  and  loving  prince,  but  one 
sorely  ridden  by  Rome  !  I  fear  we  shall  never  have  a 
tranquil  neighborhood,  notwithstanding  our  long  forbear- 
ance, until  the  Church  is  persuaded  to  limit  its  authority 
to  its  duties." 

The  eyelids  of  the  Burgomaster  lowered,  as  it  might  be 
in  reflection. 

''And  chiefly,  Heinrich,  am  I  troubled  lest  mygood  and 
loving  Duerckheimers  lose  this  occasion  to  do  themselves 
right,"  continued  the  Count,  squeezing  the  knee  he  still 
grasped,  until  even  the  compact  citizen  flinched  with  the 
force  of  the  pressure.  "  What  say  they  in  the  council-hall 
touching  this  matter?" 

There  was  no  longer  any  plausible  apology  f(3r  the  silence 
of  the  Burgomaster,  who  did  not  answer,  however,  without 
working  the  heavy  muscles  of  his  face,  as  if  delivered  of 
his  opinions  with  pain. 

"  Men  speak  their  minds  among  us,  noble-born  Count, 
much  as  Duke  Friedrich  prospers  or  fails,  in  his  warfare. 
When  we  hear  good  tidings  from  the  other  side  of  the 
river,  the  brotherhood  fares  but  badly  in  our  discourses  ; 
but  when  the  Elector's  warriors  triumph,  we  hold  it  pru- 
dent to  remember  they  have  friends." 

"God's  truth!  Herr  Heinrich,  it  is  full  time  that  you 
come  to  certain  conclusions,  else  shall  we  be  saddled  to  the 
end  of  our  days  by  these  hard-riding  priests  !  Art  thou 
not  wearied  with  all  their  greedy  exactions,  that  thou  wait- 
est  patiently  for  more  ?" 

*' In  that  particular,  a  little  sufficeth  for  our  humors. 
There  is  not  a  city  between  Constance  and  Leyden,  that 
is  more  quickly  satisfied  with  paying  than  our  Duerck- 
hcim  ;  but  we  are  husbands  and  fathers,  Herr  Count,  and 
men  that  bear  a  heavy  burthen  of  authority  ;  and  we  must 
be  wary,  lest  in  throwing  aside  one  portion  of  the  load, 
space  be  found  on  our  shoulders  to  place  another  that  is 
heavier.  When  I  would  speak  of  your  strong  love  to  the 
town,  there  are  distrustful  tongues,  that  question  me  sore- 
ly of  its  fruits,  and  of  your  own  honorable  intentions  in 
our  behalf." 


THE  IlEIDENMAUER. 


149 


"To  all  of  which  thou  couldest  not  be  wantine  of  re- 
plies  !  Have  I  not  often  entertained  thee  with  my  loving 
wishes  in  behalf  of  the  citizens  ?  " 

"  If  wishes  in  our  behalf  could  serve  our  interests,  the 
townsmen  might,  in  their  proper  right,  put  in  a  claim  to 
high  favor.  In  the  way  of  longing  for  our  own  success, 
Antwerp  itself  is  not  our  better." 

"  Nay,  thou  takest  my  meaning  unkindly  ;  what  Emich 
of  Hartenburg  wishes  for  his  friends,  he  finds  means  to 
perform.  But  we  will  not  trouble  digestion,  as  we  are 
about  to  feed,  with  these  tiresome  details " 

"  I  pray  you,  Herr  Count,  not  to  doubt  my  means — 
little  troubles  me,  when " 

"  Thou  shalt  yield  to  my  humor.  What !  is  not  the 
Count  of  Leiningen  master  in  his  own  castle.  Not  a  word 
more  will  I  hear  till  thou  hast  tasted  of  my  poor  hospital- 
ity. Did  my  knaves  serve  thee,  as  I  commanded  yester- 
day, with  the  fat  buck  that  fell  by  my  own  hand,  Hein- 
rich?" 

"A  thousand  thanks,  mein  Herr — they  did,  and  right 
cheerfully.  I  gave  the  rogues  a  silver  penny  for  their 
largess  ;  and  the  dust  of  the  Jaegerthal  was  washed  away 
in  heavy  draughts  of  our  wine  of  the  plain." 

"  I  would  have  it  so  ;  between  friends,  there  should  be 
no  niggardly  reserve,  in  the  way  of  courtesies,"  said  Emich, 
rising.  "  Dost  not  bethink  thee.  Burgomaster,  of  look- 
ing among  the  youths  of  Duerckheim  for  a  son  to  stay 
thy  age  ?  Meta  hath  reached  the  years  when  maidens 
gladly  become  wives." 

"The  wench  is  not  ignorant  of  her  time  of  life,  and  the 
searcli  of  a  suitable  husband  hath  not  failed  to  give  me 
fatherly  concern.  I  do  not  presume  to  compare  our  con- 
ditions and  early  lives  in  aught  that  is  disrespectful,  mein 
Herr  Graf ;  but,  touching  all  that  is  common  to  great  and 
little,  the  youth  of  this  day  seem  not  as  they  were  in  the 
time  of  our  young  manhood." 

"  Priest-ridden,  Burgomaster  ;  too  much  of  Rome  in  our 
laws  and  habits.  God's  my  life!  when  I  first  mounted 
steed,  in  the  court  below,  I  could  have  leaped  the  convent 
towers,  did  a  Benedictine  dare  gainsay  the  feat  ! ' 

*' Tliat  would  have  been  a  miracle  little  short  of  the  rais- 
ing of  their  convent  walls,"  answered  Ileinrich,  laughing  at 
his  compani(jn's  flight,  and  rising  in  deference  to  the  atti- 
tude the  noble  had  been  pleased    to   take.     "  These  Bene- 


I50  THE  HEIDRNMAUER. 

dictines  have  been  careless  of  their  advantages,  else  might 
they  still  have  kept  the  circumstance  of  that  miracle  as 
much  beyond  dispute,  as  it  was  in  our  young  days,  Lord 
Count." 

"  And  what  say  they  in  Duerckheim,  now,  touching  the 
affair  ? " 

*'  Nay,  men  treat  it,  at  present,  as  they  treat  other  dis- 
reputable subjects.  Since  this  outcry  of  Brother  Luther, 
there  have  appeared  many  who  call  in  question  not  only 
that,  but  divers  others  of  the  Abbey's  feats." 

The  Count  unconsciously  crossed  himself,  seeming  to 
ponder  gloomily  on  the  subject,  within  his  own  mind. 
Then  glancing  towards  his  companion,  he  perceived  that 
he  was  standing. 

"  I  cry  thy  mercy,  worthy  Burgomaster  ;  but  my  in- 
attention hath  given  thee  this  pain.  My  leg  hath  been 
so  much  of  late  suspended  in  the  stirrup,  that  it  hath 
need  of  straightening  ;  but  it  should  not,  in  justice, 
cause  thee  this  inconvenience.  I  pray  thee,  Herr  Frey,  be 
seated." 

"  That  would  ill  become  my  station  in  your  presence, 
noble  and  well-born  Emich  ;  nor  would  it  do  fit  credit  to 
my  reverence  and  affection." 

**  Nay,  I  will  hear  none  of  this.  Thy  seat,  Master  Hein- 
rich,  and  that  without  delay,  lest  I  seem  to  overlook  thy 
merits." 

"  I  pray  mein  Herr  Graf  not  to  do  himself  this  wrong  ; 
nay,  if  it  be  your  honorable  will — I  blush  at  mine  own  dar- 
ing— if  I  consent,  I  call  my  lord  to  witness  'tis  only  in  pro- 
found respect  for  his  will !" 

During  this  struggle  of  courtesy,  the  Count  succeeded, 
by  means  of  gentle  violence,  in  forcing  the  Burgomaster 
to  resume  his  seat.  Heinrich  had  yielded  with  a  species 
of  maiden  coyness  ;  but  when  he  found  that,  instead  of 
occupying  his  own  humble  stool,  he  had  unwittingly  been 
forced  into  the  arm-chair  of  the  noble,  he  rebounded  from 
the  cushion,  as  if  the  leather  contained  enough  of  the 
electric  fluid  to  bid  defiance  to  the  nonconductor  qualities 
of  the  ample  woollen  garment  in  which  his  nether  person 
was  cased. 

"  Gott  bcwahre  !  "  exclaimed  the  Burgomaster,  in  harsh, 
energetic  German  :  "The  empire  would  cry  out  against 
this  scandal,  were  it  known  !  I  owe  it  to  my  reputation  to 
deny  myself  an  honor  so  little  deserved." 


THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


151 


"  And  I  to  my  authority  to  enforce  my  will,  and  to  pro- 
claim thy  deserts." 

Here  the  amiable  force  on  the  part  of  the  Count,  and 
the  courteous  coquetry  of  Heinrich  Frey,  were  resumed, 
until  the  latter,  fearful  of  offending  by  longer  resistance, 
was  obliged  to  submit,  protesting,  however,  to  the  last, 
against  the  apparent  presumption  on  his  own  part,  and 
against  the  great  injustice  which  the  lord  of  the  hold  was 
doing  to  his  own  rights,  by  thus  insisting. 

A  distinguislied  foreign  orator  once  pronounced  the 
titles  of  honor,  and  the  social  distinctions  that  are  con- 
ferred by  the  European  governments,  to  be  the ''cheap  de- 
fence of  nations."  This  opinion  strikes  us  to  be  merely 
one  of  the  thousand  bold  fallacies  that  have  been  broached 
to  uphold  existing  interests,  without  reference  to  tlieir 
true  effects,  or  to  their  inherent  justice.  Tliis  "cheap  de- 
fence," like  the  immortal  Falstaff,  who  was  not  only  witty 
himself,  but  the  cause  of  wit  in  otlicrs,  is  the  origin  of  a 
hundred  sufficiently  costly  habits,  that  leave  him  who 
bears  the  burden  but  little  reason  to  exult  in  its  discovery. 
We  recommend  to  all  one-eyed  economists,  who  still  re- 
tain any  faith  in  this  well-known  opinion  of  the  English 
orator,  to  read  that  letter  in  the  Spectator,  in  which  a 
city  youth  relates  the  manner  he  is  driven  to  vindicate  his 
own  reserve  to  his  fair  country  cousins,  wiio  would  fain 
reproach  him  with  an  ungniceful  disrespect  of  his  holiday 
privileges,  by  reminding  them  of  the  calculations  of  the 
individual  who  refused  to  indulge  in  cheese-cakes,  because 
they  brought  with  them  so  many  other  unnecessary  ex- 
penditures. 

But  whether  honors  of  the  description  just  alluded  to, 
do  or  do  not  form  any  portion  of  the  economy  of  a  nation, 
there  is  little  question  but  flattery,  like  this  which  Emich 
lias  just  bestowed  on  the  Burgomaster,  is  one  of  the  subtle 
and  most  powerful  agents  of  the  great  in  effecting  their 
secret  purposes.  Few  are  they — alas,  how  few! — that 
possess  a  vision  sufficiently  clear,  and  an  ambition  so  truly 
noble,  as  t(j  look  bey(md  the  narrow  and  vulgar  barriers 
of  human  selfishness,  and  to  regard  truth  as  it  came  from 
God,  without  res|)ect  U)X  persons  and  things,  exce})t  as 
they  are  the  instruments  of  liis  will.  It  is  certain  that 
Heinrich  Frey  had  little  pretension  to  be  one  of  this  scru- 
tinizing and  elevated  class  ;  for  when  he  found  himself 
fairly  seated  in  the  chair  of  the  Count  of  Hartenburg,  with 


152  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

the  noble  himself  standing,  his  sensations  were  like  those 
which  are  felt  by  the  philosopher  of  the  other  hemisphere, 
who  is  authorized  to  put  a  ribbon  at  his  button-hole  ; — or 
the  tradesman  of  this,  who  is  elected  to  the  common-coun- 
cil of  his  native  city,  after  being  run  on  both  tickets.  Still 
he  greatly  regretted  there  was  no  one  to  envy  his  prefer- 
ment ;  for,  after  the  first  soothing  effect  on  his  own  self- 
love,  that  unquiet  spirit  which  haunts  us  to  the  last,  dis- 
figuring the  fairest  pictures,  and  casting  its  alloy  into  ev- 
ery scheme  of  happiness,  suggested  that  his  triumph  would 
be  imperfect  without  a  witness.  Just  as  this  rebellicnis 
feeling  became  troublesome,  there  appeared  at  the  door 
of  the  closet,  the  very  being  of  all  others  that  the  Burgo- 
master would  have  chosen  to  see  him  in  the  enjoyment  of 
this  high  honor.  A  gentle  tap  announced  the  presence  of 
the  intruder,  and  when  the  authoritative  voice  of  Emich 
had  given  the  permission,  the  mild  Ulrike  appeared  on  the 
threshold. 

Surprise  was  strongly  painted  on  the  features  of  the 
Bursfomaster's  wife.  The  husband  had  crossed  his  lesfs, 
and  was  indulsfino:  in  his  ease,  with  a  sort  of  noble  indif- 
ference  to  the  unusual  situation  in  which  he  was  placed, 
when  this  extraordinary  sight  greeted  the  eyes  of  his 
amazed  consort.  So  absolute  and  so  tenacious  were  the 
rules  of  Germany  on  all  things  that  concerned  the  respect 
due  to  rank,  that  even  one  as  little  troubled  by  ambition 
as  the  meek  Ulrike,  had  great  difficulty  in  believing  her 
senses  when  she  beheld  Heinrich  Frey  thus  suddenly  ele- 
vated to  a  seat  of  honor  in  the  presence  of  a  Count  of 
Leiningen. 

''Nay,  enter  without  fear,  my  good  Ulrike,"  said  Emich, 
graciously  ;  "thy  worthy  husband  and  I  do  but  indulge  in 
mutual  friendship,  while  my  varlets  prepare  an  unworthy 
banquet.     Do  not  think  to  break  our  discourse." 

"  I  only  hesitate,  noble  Emich,  at  seeing  Heinrich  Frey 
preferred  to  that  seat,  while  the  Lord  of  Hartenburg 
stands,  like  one  of  humble  birth,  at  his  side  !  " 

"  Touch  not  the  matter,  meine  Frau,"  said  the  husband, 
condescendingly.  "Thou  art  a  loving  consort,  and  art 
well  enough  amid  thy  sex,  and  in  questions  that  belong  to 
thy  breeding ;  but  in  an  affair,  like  this,  between  mein 
Herr  Graf  and  me,  thou  mayst  only  mar  what  thou  canst 
not  mend." 

"  By  the  life  of  the  princely  Karl !  master  Heinrich,  you 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  153 

do  insufficient  justice  to  Ulrikc's  discernment !  Were 
mine  own  Ermengarde  among  us,  thou  shouldst  see  that 
we  prize  thy  loving  wife  little  less  than  we  esteem  thee. 
But  it  were  better  that  we  inquire  of  Ulrike  the  occasion 
of  her  visit,  before  we  attempt  to  school  her  on  matters  of 
deportment." 

Though  so  rough  and  unnurtured  on  many  of  the  points 
that  are  now  deemed  essential  even  to  an  indifferent  civil- 
ization, Emich  had  a  quick  interest  for  the  ])erception  of 
character,  and  possessed  as  much  of  the  refinement  that 
marks  a  superior  condition  in  life  as  the  state  of  the  age 
and  the  situation  of  his  own  country  permitted.  There 
can  be  no  greater  mistake  than  to  imagine  that  mere  nom- 
inal rank  is  any  pledge  for  a  correspondent  degree  of  re- 
finement, since  everything  is  relative  in  this  world,  and 
where  the  base  of  the  pillar  is  rude  and  little  polished,  it 
would  be  a  violation  of  all  architectural  keeping  to  expect 
a  capital  of  a  different  style.  Tluis  it  is  that  we,  without 
any  social  orders  but  those  of  convention,  arc  struck  with 
so  many  glaring  discrepancies  among  people  whose  patri- 
cians, having  studied  all  that  is  factitious  and  plausible  in 
breeding,  are  still  deficient  in  the  grand  essentials  of  rea- 
son and  humanity,  simply  because  the  roots  of  the  society, 
of  which  they  are  only  the  more  luxuriant  branches,  are 
planted  in  the  soil  of  ignorance  and  debasement.  The 
Count  of  Martenburg  had  possessed  ample  opportunities 
of  witnessing  how  much  the  intellectual  qualities  of  the 
Burgomaster's  wife  were  sujjerior  to  those  of  her  husband  ; 
and  he  had  sufficient  discrimination  and  experience  to  be 
quite  aware  of  the  importance  of  conciliating  such  an  ally 
in  advancing  his  own  particular  views.  It  was  in  this  spirit, 
therefore,  that  he  ventured  on  so  blunt  a  reproof  of  Ilcin- 
rich's  superciliousness,  and  volunteered  the  compliment  to 
the  spouse  ;  probably  hazarding  the  latter,  from  an  inti- 
mate conviction  that  most  husbands  arc  content  to  hear 
eulogies  on  those  who  are  so  completely  in  their  power 
as  their  own  wives. 

"  Since  it  is  y(jur  honoral)le  pleasure,  Herr  Count,  for 
God's  sake  let  tlie  woman  come  in,"  answered  Heinrich, 
still,  however,  without  changing  an  attitude  so  soothing  to 
his  self-esteem.  "  If  she  slu^uld  see  me  seated  in  a  })res- 
cncc  in  which  it  would  much  better  become  me  to  kneel, 
why  it  mav  hc.^lp  to  show  that  God  hath  given  her  a  com- 
panion that  is  not  altogether  without  the  world's  esteem, 


154  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

little  as  he  may  merit  it.  Enter  freely,  therefore,  good 
Ulrike,  since  it  is  my  lord's  pleasure  ;  but  presume  not  on 
his  condescension  to  me,  which  is  rather  a  mark  of  great 
love  for  our  town,  than  any  matter  connected  with  domes- 
tic life." 

"  In  all  that  the  high-born  Count  hath  done  honor  to 
any  of  us,  whether  as  of  Duerckheim,  or  as  his  unworthy 
neighbors,  I  desire  respectfully  to  be  grateful,"  returned 
the  wife,  who,  by  this  time  had  recovered  from  her  sur- 
prise, and  who  now  advanced  farther  into  the  narrow  room, 
with  the  modest  self-possession  which  ordinarily  distin- 
guished her  manner  : — "If  I  do  not  come  amiss,  I  crave  to 
be  heard  of  both,  in  a  matter  that  toucheth  nearly  a 
mother's  heart ;  and  a  matter,  as  it  is  of  Heinrich  Frey's 
child  I  would  fain  speak,  that  I  trust  may  not  be  indiffer- 
ent to  my  lord  the  Count." 

"Were  it  of  mine  own  little  Kunigunde,  the  subject 
should  not  be  more  welcome  ! "  said  the  noble.  "  Speak 
freely  then,  gentle  Ulrike,  and  with  the  same  simplicity 
thou  wouldest  use  were  it  only  to  thy  husband's  ear." 

"  Thou  hearest,  woman  !  mein  Herr  Graf  enters,  as  it 
were,  into  all  our  tribulations  and  happiness,  an'  he  were 
no  other  than  a  brother.  So  mince  not  the  matter,  but 
deal  frankly  with  us  ;  though  I  admonish  thee  not  to  push 
thy  words  to  all  the  familiarity  of  household  discourse." 

"As  it  is  of  a  subject  so  near,  I  pray  leave  to  close  the 
door,  before  more  is  uttered." 

The  words  of  Ulrike  were  cut  short  by  a  hasty  gesture 
of  approbation  from  her  husband,  and  by  the  Count  him- 
self, who,  with  more  of  the  consideration  and  maimer  of  a 
gentleman,  performed  the  desired  office  with  his  own  hands, 
ihus  admitting  the  wife,  as  it  were,  into  the  very  cabinet  of 
their  secret  councils. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


'*  You  would  be  another  Penelope  :  yet  they 

Say,  all  the  yarn  she  spun,  in  Ulysses'  absence,  did 
But  fill  Ithaca  full  of  moths." — Coi'iolamis. 

When  Ulrike  found  himself  fairly  closeted  with  the 
Count  and  her  husband,  and  was  quietly  seated  on  the 
stool  which  the  former,  spite  of  the  lattpr's  protestations 


THE   HRT DEN-MA  UER. 


155 


to  tlic  contrary,  had  insisted  on  her  taking,  she  cast  her 
mild  eyes  about  her,  with  tliat  expression  and  touching 
appeal  that  a  woman  is  apt  to  make  when  she  feels  called 
on  to  act  as  the  adviser,  if  not  the  guardian,  of  him  whom 
nature  intended  and  the  law  presumes,  is  both  able  and 
willing  to  discharge  those  offices  for  her.  Notwithstand- 
incr  Henrich's  obstinacy  and  masculine  swa^rirerino-, 
many  occasions  had  arrived  in  the  course  of  their  niatri- 
monial  life  to  produce  a  latent  conviction  in  both,  that 
the  order  of  things  was  a  little  inverted,  as  respects  judg- 
ment and  moral  authority,  by  inclining  one  to  lean,  though 
with  but  an  indifferent  grace,  where  he  should  have  sup- 
ported ;  and  tempting  the  other,  at  times,  to  overstep  her 
sex's  duties,  though  it  was  always  done  with  an  intuitive 
perception  of  her  sex's  seemliness  and  means. 

''  For  this  condescension  I  thank  \\\y  Lc^rd  Emich,  and 
thee,  Hcinrich,"  commenced  the  thoughtful  matron  ;  "for 
it  is  not  at  all  times  advisable  for  the  wife  to  intrude  un- 
bidden even  to  her  husband's  presence." 

A  significant  ejaculation,  which  might  almost  merit  a 
coarser  term,  was  the  manner  in  which  the  Burgomaster 
expressed  his  assent,  dm-ingthe  brief  pause  that  succeeded 
this  excuse  of  Ulrike.  The  more  courteous  host  bowed  with 
sufficient  respect,  though  even  by  his  manner  it  was  evi- 
dent he  was  getting  impatient  to  know  the  real  motive  of 
the  interruption. 

"  We  are  too  well  pleased  to  receive  thee,  to  remember 
the  usages  and  rights  of  manhood,"  answered  the  latter, 
with  a  kindness  of  manner  that  was  insensibly  extorted  by 
the  winning  and  feminine  qualities  of  her  he  addressed, 
and  which  in  some  degree  softened  the  pretensions  of  his 
language—"  Proceed  with  thy  matter,  for  none  can  be 
more  ready  t(j  listen." 

"  TIkju  liearest,  good  Ulrike  !  the  Ilerr  Count  is  willing 
to  remember  thou  art  a  Burgomaster's  consort ;  and,  as  he 
is  pleased  to  say,  we  arc  truly  impatient  to  be  let  into  the 
cause  of  thy  sudden  visit." 

The  thoughtful  Ulrike  received  this  encouragement  like 
one  accustomed  to  be  treated,  in  some  measure,  as  a  being 
inferior  in  capacity  and  force  to  her  husband,  but  not  with- 
out a  shade  like  that  which  is  produced  by  unmerited 
hinniliation.  Smiling — and  few,  even  in  early  and  attrac- 
tive youth,  and  s(j  sweet  an  expression,  when  her  C(jun- 
tenance   thus  gleamed,  whether  it  were  in   pleasure,  or  in 


156  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

melancholy — smiling,  as  it  might  be,  partly  in  female 
gentleness,  and  partly  in  sadness,  she  commenced  the  pur- 
port of  her  visit,  coming,  however,  to  her  true  object  with 
great  reserve  and  with  the  caution  of  a  Avoman  accustomed 
to  influence,  rather  than  to  control. 

"  For  the  great  kindness  and  condescension  of  the  Herr 
Emich,  in  behalf  of  Heinrich  Frey,  and  of  all  that  are  his, 
no  one  is  more  grateful  than  I,"  she  said  ;  ^*if  I  may  now 
seem  to  trouble  him  with  the  concerns  of  a  family  on 
which  he  has  already  so  freely  lavished  favors " 

"And  friendsliip,  good  Ulrike." 

"And  friendship,  since  you  permit  me,  noble  Count,  to 
use  the  word — but,  if  I  now  seem  to  trespass  beyond  breed- 
ing, by  troubling  your  mind  with  a  concern  that  is  so  rC' 
mote  from  your  own  interests,  I  trust  you  will  remembei 
a  mother's  tenderness,  and  think  of  the  high-born  Ermen- 
garde  whose  anxiety  for  her  own  offspring  may  furnish 
some  excuse  for  that  I  feel  for  mine." 

"  Hath  aught  befell  the  blooming  Meta  ?" 

*'  God's  my  life  !  "  exclaimed  the  troubled  Heinrich, 
abandoning -his  much-prized  seat,  in  the  suddenness  of  pa- 
ternal alarm.  "  Hath  tlie  wench  suffered  from  the  over- 
rich  eels  of  the  Rhine  ?  or  is  she  massed  to  death  by  these 
accursed  monks?" 

"Our  child  is  well  in  the  body,  and,  the  blessed  Maria 
be  praised  !  she  is  pure  and  innocent  in  mind,"  returned 
Ulrike.  "  I  liave  little  cause  for  aught  but  gratitude  in 
either  of  these  behalfs  ; — but,  she  is  of  an  age  when  girlish 
fancies  become  unsettled,  and  the  flexible  female  spirit 
seeks  impressions  from  others  than  those  whom  nature 
hath  made  its  guardians." 

*'  This  is  some  of  thy  usual  incomprehensibilities,  good 
woman,  and  language  that  is  not  easily  understood  by  any 
but  thyself.  The  noble  Graf  hath  no  leisure  to  hunt  up 
new  ideas  to  maintain  a  discourse  in  subtleties.  Had  the 
girl  indeed  tasted  too  freely  of  the  rare  dish  which  the 
honest  Burgomaster  of  Manheim  so  kindly  sent  me,  as  I 
at  first  feared,  no  doubt  the  means  to  cure  might  be  found 
in  Hartenburg  ;  but  thou  askest  too  much,  wife  of  mine, 
when  thou  wouldest  have  any  but  thine  own  husband  en- 
ter into  all  the  cunning  niceties  tliat  sometimes  beset  thy 
imagination." 

*'  Nay,  Master  Heinrich,  here  may  be  more  urgent  mat- 
ter than  thou  thinkcst :  tliy  dame  is  not  a  woman  whose 


riJE   HEIDENMA  UER. 


157 


opinions  arc  to  be  neglected.  Wilt  proceed  with  thy  re- 
cital, good  Ulrike  ? " 

"  Our  ciiiid  is  at  that  period  of  life,"  continued  the 
mother,  too  much  accustomed  to  the  manner  of  her  hus- 
band to  permit  it  to  divert  her  thoughts  from  their  main 
intention — '*  when  the  young  of  every  sort  begin  to  think 
of  the  future.  It  is  a  principle  that  God  hath  implanted, 
Herr  Emich,  and  therefore  it  is  for  good  ;  and  we,  who 
have  watched  over  the  infancy  of  our  offspring  with  so 
much  anxiety,  have  trained  their  youth  with  so  much  care, 
and  have  so  often  trembled  for  their  noon-time,  must, 
sooner  or  later,  consent  to  loosen  the  sweet  ties  that  bind 
us  to  our  seccmd  selves,  in  order  that  the  great  ends  of  the 
creation  shall  be  accomplished." 

"  Umph  !"  ejaculated  Heinrich. 

"  Nay,  gentle  Ulrike,"  said  the  Count,  "  maternal  love 
hath  drawn  this  picture  in  stronger  colors  than  may  be 
necessary.  Wiien  the  time  for  matrimony  comes,  God's 
my  life  !  daughter  of  thine  and  honest  Heinrich  Frey,  need 
not  wear  maiden's  coif  a  day  longer  than  is  necessary  to 
do  suitable  reverence  to  the  Church.  Here  have  I  youths, 
out  of  number,  that  look  to  the  house  of  Leiningen  for 
grace,  any  one  of  whom  would  be  glad  to  wive  with  the 
damsel  I  should  name.  There  is  young  Friedrich  Zant- 
zinger,  the  orphan  of  my  last  deputy  in  the  villages  of  the 
plain  ;  he  is  a  lad  that  would  gladly  do  harder  service  to 
gain  my  love." 

"When  old  Friedrich  left  the  boy  fatherless,  he  left  him 
without  a  penny,"  dr)'ly  rejoined  the  Biugomaster. 

"That  is  a  fault  which  might  be  mended  ;  but  I  have 
others  that  can  be  named.  What  thirikest  thou  of  the  eldest 
son  of  my  Heidelberg  attorney,  worthy  Com-ad  Walther  ?" 

"Curse  the  knave?     I  hate  him  from  mv  he:irt." 

"Thou  art  warm,  Master  Heinrich,  against  one  that  I 
both  trust  and  fav(;r." 

"  I  cry  your  mercy,  Herr  Graf  ;  but  a  sudden  rising  of 
the  bile,  at  the  mention  of  the  fellow's  name,  got  the  bet- 
ter of  respect,"  answered  the  Jiurgomaster,  with  more 
moderation,  who,  as  he  saw  by  the  lowering  look  of  Emich's 
brow  the  necessitv  of  explanation,  continued,  with  rather 
more  openness  than  he  might  have  thought  necessary  un- 
der circumstances  of  less  urgency:  "Perhaps  the  high- 
born Count  was  never  possessed  of  the  matter  of  our  late 
controversy  ?  " 


15S  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

"Nay,  I  pretend  not  to  judge  my  friends " 

"  Let  but  my  lord  condescend  to  hear  me,  and  I  leave 
him  arbiter  between  us.  It  is  well  known  to  you,  Herr 
Eniich,  that  collections  ^vere  made,  and  charity  asked,  in 
behalf  of  the  peasants  who  suffered,  the  past  year,  from 
the  sudden  rising  of  the  Rliine.  Among  others,  the  good 
Christians  of  our  town  were  importuned  for  succor  ;  and, 
for  none  will  deny  that  it  was  a  sad  visitation  of  Provi- 
dence, we  gave  freely  as  became  our  several  means.  To 
prevent  improper  uses  of  the  money,  in  all  cases  of  lib- 
eral donations  the  sealed  bond  of  the  donor,  at  a  near  day, 
was  asked  in  preference  to  the  silver  ;  and  mine  was  grant- 
ed for  the  fair  sum  of  twelve  crowns,  as  a  poor  donation 
suited  to  my  hopes  and  station.  It  so  fell  out,  Ilerr  Graf, 
that  those  charged  with  the  distribution  had  occasion  for 
their  money  before  the  instruments  were  up  ;  and  they 
sent  agents  among  us,  in  order  to  enter  into  such  negotia- 
tions as  the  cases  might  need.  Gold  was  scarce  at  the 
moment  ;  and  because,  in  regaining  my  bond,  I  had  a 
heedful  regard  to  mine  own  interests,  the  misdealing  Con- 
rad would  fain  transport  me,  like  a  thief,  before  the  au- 
tliorities  of  Heidelberg,  to  undergo  the  penalties  of  a 
usurer.  Son  of  his  shall  never  call  me  father,  with  your 
gracious  leave,  nobly-born  Count  of  Leiningen  !  " 

"  This  tridy  offereth  some  impediment  to  the  affair  ;  but, 
faihng  of  young  Conrad,  I  have  others  that  may  be  ac- 
counted worthy  of  tliis  advantage.  So  put  thv  maternal 
heart  at  ease,  good  Ulrike,  and  trust  to  my  active  friend- 
ship to  dispose  of  tiiegirl." 

The  Burgomaster's  consort  had  been  a  patient  listener 
during  the  short  but  characteristic  digression  of  her  hus- 
band. Trained  in  the  opinions  of  the  times,  she  did  not 
possibly  endure  all  that  a  mother  and  a  wife,  of  equal  na- 
tive sensibility,  might  now  suffer  at  so  evident  a  debase- 
ment of  her  sex  ;  but  as  the  laws  of  nature  are  permanent, 
neither  did  she  escape  a  pang  of  wounded  feeling  as  she 
heard  the  different  expedients  that  were  so  hastily  devised 
for  the  future  disposal  of  one  who  formed  her  chief  hap- 
piness in  life.  There  was  less  of  that  hectic  color,  which 
commonly  gave  a  lustre  to  eyes  that  were  by  nature  rather 
melancholy  than  bright,  and  her  voice  was  fuller  of  emo- 
tion than  before,  as  she  continued. 

"  For  all  this  heed  of  me  and  mine,  I  again  thank  the 
Herr  Count ;  but  there  is  a  power  that  is  stronger  with 


THE    IIKIDKXMAUER.  159 

the  young  than  the  counsel  of  the  experienced,  or  even 
than  the  wishes  of  their  friends,"  she  said.  "My  intent, 
in  intruding  myself  unbidden  into  this  secret  conference, 
was  to  say  that  Meta  had  listened  to  tlie  voice  of  her  sym- 
pathies more  than  to  the  usages  of  her  class,  and  chosen 
for  herself." 

The  Count  and  Heinrich  Frcy  stared  at  the  speaker  in 
mute  surprise,  for  neitiier  fully  comprehended  her  mean- 
ing ;  while  Ulrike  herself,  one  of  her  objects  being 
accomplished,  in  having  made  this  long-dreaded  declara- 
tion in  the  presence  of  a  person  able  to  repress  the  anger 
of  her  husband,  sat  silent,  inwardly  trembling  for  the 
consequences. 

"Wilt  thou  explain  tlie  meaning  of  thy  worthy  consort, 
Herr  Heinrich,"  abruptly  asked  the  Count. 

'*Zum  Henker!  you  ask  me  to  perform  an  office,  Lord 
Count,  that  might  better  fit  a  Benedictine,  or  a  clerk. 
When  Ulrike,  who  is  an  excellent  and  obedient  companion 
in  tlie  main,  once  gets  upon  the  stilts  of  fancy,  I  never 
pretend  to  be  able  to  raise  an  idea  to  the  level  of  her  shoe- 
buckle.  Go  to  !  thou  hast  well  spoken,  wife  of  mine  ;  and 
it  will  now  be  better  to  seek  our  child,  lest  yonder  cavalier 
of  Rliodes  be  oiling  her  ears  with  the  unction  of  flattery." 

"Nay,  by  my  house's  honors  !  but  I  will  know  more  of 
this  matter,  thy  fair  and  virtuous  consort  consenting,  Mas- 
ter Heinrich.     Wilt  explain  thyself  freely,  dame  ?" 

Whether  it  be  from  the  instinct  of  weakness  and  deli- 
cacy, or  only  the  fruit  of  precepts  constantly  inculcated,  a 
virtuous  woman  rarely  admits  the  existence  of  the  senti- 
ment of  love,  either  in  herself  or  in  any  that  is  dear  to  her, 
without  a  feeling  of  shame,  and  possibly  not  without  an 
intuitive  knowledge  that  she  is  conceding  some  of  the 
vantage-ground  of  her  sex's  privileges. 

This  feeling  w\as  apparent  in  Ulrike,  by  the  slow  but 
complete  suffusion  of  her  cheek,  and  by  the  manner  in 
which  her  looks  avoided  those  of  Emich,  spite  of  the  self- 
possession  and  calm  of  her  years. 

"  I  would  merely  say,  Herr  Emich,"  she  replied,  "  that 
Meta,  like  all  who  are  young  and  innocent,  hath  fancied 
an  image  (jf  perfection,  and  that  she  hath  found  an  orig- 
inal for  her  picture  in  a  youtli  of  the  Jaegerthal.  While  of 
this  mind  she  cannot,  in  honesty  or  in  maidenly  respect, 
become  the  bride  of  any  other  than  him  she  loves." 

"Tlie  affair  grows  clearer,"  returned  the  count,  smiling 


i6o  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

like  one  who  took  no  very  deep  interest  in  the  matter ; 
"  and  it  is  as  well  explained  as  heart  could  wish — at  least, 
heart  of  the  youth  in  question.  What  thinkest  thou  of 
this,  Herr  Burgomaster  ?  " 

The  comprehension  of  Heinrich  Frey  could  not  alto- 
gether misconceive  so  plain  an  explanation,  and,  since  the 
moment  when  his  wife  had  ceased  speaking,  he  sat  regard- 
ing her  mild  but  troubled  countenance,  with  parted  lips 
and  open  eyes,  like  a  man  that  first  learns  some  unlooked- 
for  intelligence  of  great  moment. 

"  Herr  Teufel  !  "  exclaimed  Heinrich,  taking  up  the  last 
words  of  the  Baron,  unconscious  of  tiie  disrespect  of  what 
he  did — "Art  talking  of  our  own  natural-born  child  ?" 

"  Of  none  other.  In  whom  else  have  I  tliis  motherly 
affection? — or  for  what  other  can  I  feel  this  deep  con- 
cern  r 

"  Dost  mean  that  Meta — my  daughter,  Meta  Frey — hath 
inclination  for  son  of  woman,  except  it  may  be  the  natural 
love  and  reverence  she  beareth  her  own  father  ? — that  the 
girl  hath  truant  and  free  fancies  ? " 

''  I  say  nothing  to  give  this  opinion  of  Meta— my  daugh- 
ter, Meta,"  returned  Ulrike,  with  womanly  dignity.  "  Our 
child  has  done  no  more  than  listened  to  the  secret  whis- 
perings of  nature  ;  and,  in  yielding  her  affections  to  a 
youth  whom  she  hath  often  seen  and  long  known,  she  hath 
merely  paid  an  homage  to  merit,  that  the  most  virtuous 
are  the  most  apt  to  yield." 

"  Go  to,  Ulrike !  Thou  art  well  enough  among  thy 
household,  and  a  woman  for  whom  I  have  esteem  ;  but 
these  visions  with  which  thou  art  so  often  troubled,  give 
thee  an  air,  at  times,  of  being  of  less  discernment  than 
thou  mayest  fairly  claim  to  be.  Excuse  the  dame,  Herr 
Count ;  for,  though  her  own  husband,  and  a  little  weak 
on  the  subject  of  her  infirmities  perhaps,  there  is  not  a 
more  thrifty  manager,  a  more  faithful  spouse,  or  a  kinder 
mother  in  the  Palatinate." 

"  Nay,  thou  little  need  say  this  to  me  !  None  know  the 
worth  of  Ulrike  better ;  and,  I  may  add,  few  respect  her 
so  much.  It  were  well  to  hear  further  of  this  matter, 
Heinrich  ;  for,  to  treat  thee  in  candor,  there  may  lay  more 
beneath  this  opening  of  the  excellent  wife  than  is  at  first 
apparent.  Our  Meta  hath  seen  the  qualities  of  some 
worthy  youth  sooner  than  they  have  struck  the  eye  of  her 
quick-sighted  father,  thou  wouldst  say.    Is  it  not  so,dame  ?" 


THE  ITEIDENMAUER.  i6i, 

"  I  would  say  that,  the  heart  of  my  child  is  so  closely 
bound  in  that  of  another,  as  to  leave  little  hope  of  happi- 
ness should  her  matrimonial  duties  teach  her  to  forget 
him." 

*'  Thou  thinkest,  then,  good  dame,  that  the  young  fan- 
cies of  a  female,  when  once  indulged,  are  not  to  be  re- 
moved by  the  offices  of  wife  and  mother  ? — that  a  caprice 
of  the  imagination  is  stronger  than  a  vow  made  at  the 
altar  ? " 

Though  the  eyes  of  both  tlie  Count  and  the  Burgomaster 
were  riveted  on  the  fine  and  speaking  countenance  of 
Ulrike,  the  volume  of  eloquent  nature,  that  was  thus  opened 
to  their  observation,  proved  little  better  than  a  blank. 
Strong  and  dramatic  exhibitions  of  feeling  require  but  lit- 
tle interpretation  for  the  dullest  faculties  ;  but  few  indeed 
are  they  who  are  capable  of  comprehending  the  secret 
workings  of  a  spirit  chastened  and  restrained  as  that  of  a 
virtuous,  but  unhappily-paired  woman.  There  is,  perhaps, 
no  one  aspect  of  human  nature  more  commonplace,  or 
more  easily  understood,  than  that  which  is  hourly  offered 
by  a  worldly-minded  and  capricious  fair.  She  runs  her 
little  career,  seemingly  as  erratic  as  a  comet,  though,  in 
truth,  her  course  is  always  to  be  calculated  on  the  infallible 
principles  of  vanity  and  selfisiiness  ;  but  no  secret  is  more 
hermetically  sealed  against  impertinent  and  vulgar  curios- 
ity, than  the  elevated  sentiments  which  sustain  the  suffer- 
ing and  silent  female  who  is  truly  instinct  with  the  high 
qualities  of  her  sex. 

We  are  no  railer  at  the  domination  of  man  ;  for  we  are 
persuaded  that  he  who  would  wish  lo  transform  the  being 
that  was  created  to  be  his  solacer  and  com]3anion — his  guide 
in  moral  darkness,  and  his  sharer  in  sorrow  as  in  joy — into 
a  worldly  competitor,  changing  hjve  and  cjnfidence  to 
riv.'dry  and  (•ontenti(jn,  is  but  miseral)ly  instructed  in  that 
sublime  ordinance  of  nature,  wliich  has  thus  separated  the 
highest  order  of  its  creation  into  two  great  classes,  so  re- 
plete with  mutual  consolation  and  liapi:)iness. 

Had  the  wife  of  the  Burgomaster  arisen,  and,  in  chosen 
terms,  made  an  ai)peal  t(j  the  sympathies  of  her  compan- 
ions, in  which  language  should  iniite  with  manner  to  pro- 
duce an  effect,  slie  might  have  been  understood,  as  the 
every-day  reader  understands  all  such  pictures  of  female 
character  ;  but  where  she  sat,  silent,  suffering,  and  meek, 
she  was  completely  concealed  from  any  means  of  comprc- 
II 


i62  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

hension  possessed  by  either.  Her  eye  did  not  kindle,  for 
long  and  patient  subordination  had  taught  her  to  submit 
to  the  misconstructions  of  her  husband  ;  nor  scarcely  did 
the  faint  color  of  her  cheek  deepen,  since  the  load  at  her 
heart  counteracted  the  natural  impulses  of  pride  and  re- 
sentment. 

*'  I  think,  Lord  Count,  that  when  an  innocent  and  youth- 
ful female  heart  yields  to  a  power  that  nature  perhaps  has 
made  irresistible,"  she  said,  "  it,  at  least,  merits  to  be 
treated  tenderly.  Meta  hath  few  fancies  of  the  kind  you 
mention  ;  and  the  attachment  she  feels,  though  doubtless 
deepened  by  those  colors  which  the  least  experienced  in 
the  truths  of  life  are  the  most  apt  to  paint,  is  but  the  nat- 
ural consequence  of  much  association,  and  of  great  de- 
serving on  the  part  of  the  young  man." 

"  This  is  getting  to  be  plain,  Herr  Emich,"  said  Heinrich 
Frey,  pithily,  "  and  must  needs  be  looked  to.  Wilt  con- 
descend to  name  the  youth  thou  meanest,  Ulrike  ? " 

^'  Berchthold  Hintermayer." 

"  Berchthold  Teufelstein  !  "  exclaimed  the  Burgomaster, 
laughing,  though  there  was  something  like  a  secret  con- 
sciousness of  danger  in  the  very  manner  in  which  he  gave 
loose  to  his  merriment.  *'  A  penniless  boy  is  truly  a  lit 
husband  for  child  of  mine  !  " 

The  quiet,  blue  eye  of  Ulrike  was  fastened  on  her  hus- 
band ;  but  she  averted  it  with  sensitive  haste,  lest  it  miglit 
betray  that  she  was  thinking  of  the  time  when  her  own 
father  had  consented  to  her  marriage  with  one  nearly  as 
poor,  merely  because  the  penetration  of  the  parent  had 
discovered  those  qualities  of  prudence  and  gainful  indus- 
try in  his  townsman  which  after-experience  so  fully  de- 
veloped. 

"  He  is  not  rich,  Fleinrich,"  was  her  answer  ;  "  but  he  is 
worthy  ;  and  why  need  a  chill  be  thrown  on  the  heart  of 
Meta,  for  the  desire  of  that  which  she  already  hath  in 
sufficient  plenty  ?" 

"  Hear  you  this,  Herr  Emich  ?  My  wife  is  lifting  the 
curtain  of  privacy  before  your  respected  eyes  with  a  free- 
dom for  which  I  could  fain  cry  mercy." 

*'  Berchthold  is  a  youth  I  love,"  gravely  observed  the 
Count. 

"  In  that  case,  I  shall  say  nothing  disrespectful  of  the 
lad,  who  is  a  worthy  forester,  and  in  all  things  suited  to  his 
service    in   the  family   of   Hartcnburg  ;  still,  he  is  but  a 


THE  IIEIDENMAUER.  163 

forester,  and  «i  very  penniless  one.  I  had  not  thought  to 
dispose  of  the  girl  so  soon,  for  a  little  maidenly  leisure 
does  none  of  the  sex  injury,  Lord  Count  ;  but  as  she  hath 
her  head  set  upon  this  Berchthold,  it  may  be  well  to  wrap 
it  in  a  matron's  coif,  by  way  of  filling  it  with  ideas  more 
suited  to  her  hopes." 

"The  remedy  may  prove  fatal,  Heinrich  !  "  mildly  ob- 
served Ulrike,  raising  her  tearful  eye  to  the  obstinate  feat- 
ures of  the  Burgomaster. 

"Nay,  I  ought  to  know  the  constitution  of  the  family; 
what  has  so  well  succeeded  with  the  mother  cannot  harm 
the  child.'' 

The  wife  did  not  reply.  But  Emich  of  Hartenburg  had 
been  deeply  interested  by  her  gentle  and  winning  manner, 
for  he  had  watched  her  countenance  closely,  and  under- 
stood the  womanly  effort  by  which  the  appearance  of  calm 
was  preserved.  Turning  to  the  Burgomaster,  he  laid  a 
hand  on  his  shoulder,  with  a  friendly  smile,  and  said — 

"  Herr  Heinrich,  thou  hast  a  fair  and  gentle  consort ; 
but,  I  think,  too,  thou  hast  scarce  less  faith  in  me  than  in 
thy  wife.  Give  us  leave  ;  I  would  fain  reason  this  matter 
with  Ulrike,  without  the  aid  of  thy  influence." 

"A  thousand  thanks  for  the  honor  to  me  and  mine,  hieh- 
born  Count!  As  to  faith,  1  would  leave  the  dame  a  year 
on  Limburg-hill  without  other  thought  than  for  her  con- 
venience; for  none  know  the  worth  of  Ulrike  better, 
though  she  is  so  difficult  to  comprehend  when  her  fancv  is 
moulting.  Now  kiss  me,  dame,  and  prithee  do  no  dis- 
honor to  the  Count's  counsel." 

Thus  saying,  Heinrich  Frey  placed  a  hearty  kiss  on  the 
soft  cheek  that  the  obedient  Ulrike  freely  offered,  and  left 
his  wife  alone  with  the  noble,  without  other  thought  than 
(jf  the  high  distinction  that  was  conferred  on  his  name. 
Tlie  manner  in  whicli  he  prized  the  notice  of  the  Baron 
was  sufficiently  manifested  by  the  readiness  with  which 
he  communicated  the  circumstance  tliat  Emich  and  his 
consort  were  closeted  on  an  affair  touching  the  interests 
of  the  family  of  Frey,  to   all  who  would  listen  to  his  talc. 


1 64  THE   HEIDENMAUER, 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

**Ah  me  !  for  aught  that  ever  I  could  read, 
Could  ever  hear  by  tales  or  history, 
The  course  of  true  love  never  did  run  smooth  ! " 

— Shakespeare. 

When  the  door  was  closed  on  the  husband,  the  Count 
turned  to  the  wife,  and  continued  the  discourse. 

"  I  love  young  Berchthold  Hintermayer,  good  Ulrike," 
he  said,  "and  would  gladly  be  of  aid  in  this  affair,  which, 
I  see  plainly,  thou  hast  much  at  heart." 

*' The  mother  would  be  ujinatural  that  had  not  anxiety 
for  the  happiness  of  lier  child.  In  youth,  Lord  Count,  we 
gaze  before  us,  filling  the  dim  ascent  with  scenes  drawn 
after  our  wishes,  and  peopling  the  world  with  tlie  beings 
that  we  deem  most  necessary  to  our  hopes  ;  but  when  we 
have  reached  the  eminence,whence  the  commencement  and 
the  end  of  life  can  both  be  plainly  seen,  do  we  first  find 
truth.  I  am  as  little  disposed  as  another  to  venture  rashly 
on  a  union  that  has  no  better  security  for  its  fruits  than  a 
blind  and  feverish  passion,  that  will  be  certain  to  consume 
itself  by  its  own  fierceness  ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  none 
who  have  known  life  as  I  can  be  disposed  to  consider 
lightly  those  resemblances  of  taste  and  opinions,  those 
gentle  touches  of  character  and  disposition,  that  are  most 
likely  to  conduce  to  wedded  love." 

"  Thou  art  esteemed  lucky  in  thine  own  consorting, 
dame?" 

"  God  hath  much  blessed  me  in  many  mercies — the  ques- 
tion is  of  Meta,  my  Lord  Count." 

Ulrike,  spite  of  herself,  had  changed  color  ;  but,  aided 
by  the  manner  of  matronly  'reserve  she  immediately 
assumed,  the  little  emotion  passed  with  Emich  as  no  more 
than  a  display  of  feminine  reserve,  that  was  intended  to 
repress  a  curiosity  he  had  no  title  to  indulge. 

"  The  question  is  of  Meta,  in  sooth,"  he  answered  ; 
*'and,  by  Saint  Benedict  !  the  youth  shall  not  want  for 
friendly  and  free  support.  But  favor  should  have  favor's 
reward.  If  I  give  into  thy  humor  in  this  concern  of  thy 
daughter's  marriage,  good  Ulrike,  in  return,  I  expect  of 
thee  a  service  on  which  I  scarce  lay  less  stress." 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  165 

The  matron  raised  her  eyes  to  the  countenance  of  her 
companion,  in  surprise.  One  who  had  not  so  uniformly- 
preserved  her  own  self-respect,  might  have  doubted  of 
what  she  heard  ;  but  the  look  of  the  Burgomaster's  wife 
merely  conveyed  a  meaning  of  curiosity  and  innocence. 

"  You  W'ill  deserve  far  more  than  I  can  bestow,  Herr  Count, 
should  you  do  aught  to  secure  the  happiness  of  Meta." 

"  Fair  wife,"  continued  Emich,  seating  himself,  and  tak- 
ing her  hand,  with  the  freedom  which  his  superior  rank 
and  the  usages  of  the  country  allowed,  "thou  knowest  the 
manner  in  which  these  Benedictines  have  so  long  vexed 
our  valley;  and,  being  so  deeply  in  the  confidence  of  the 
honest  Heinrich,  thou  must  have  suspected  that,  wearied 
of  their  insolence  and  exactions,  we  have  seriously  be- 
thought us  of  the  means  by  which  to  reduce  them  to  the 
modesty  that  becomcth  their  godly  professions,  and  which 
might  better  justify  their  pretensions  ?" 

Emich  paused,  and  sat  intently  regarding  the  face  of  his 
quiet  listener.  He  had  unwittingly  touched  upon  the 
very  subject  that  had  been  the  chief  inducement  with  the 
Burgomaster's  wife  for  intruding  upon  the  privacy  of  the 
conspirators.  She  had  long  suspected  their  intentions  ; 
and,  though  she  felt  deep  care  for  the  future  lot  of  Metn, 
and  had  2:ladlv  availed  herself  of  a  favorable  occasion  to 
break  the  ice  on  a  subject  that,  sooner  or  later,  must  be 
disclosed,  her  real  object  was  to  warn  Heinrich  against 
the  probable  consequences  of  the  plot.  In  this  disposi- 
tion, then,  she  heard  the  Count  with  secret  pleasure,  and 
prepared  herself  to  reply,  in  the  manner  she  had  long 
meditated. 

"All  that  you  say,  Herr  Count,"  she  answered,  "has 
more  than  once  crossed  my  mind  ;  and  deeply  have  I 
grieved  that  those  I  S(j  love  and  honor  should  thus  medi- 
tate injury  to  the  altars  of  God — plan  desperate  devices  to 
interrupt  his  praise." 

"  How !  dost  tliou  call  the  winnings  of  these  knaves 
praise  of  aught  but  their  own  hypocrisy?"  interrupted 
Emich.  "  Are  they  ncjt  the  instigators  of  most  of  our  sins, 
by  their  example  ? — the  parents  of  all  the  contention  that 
troubles  the  neighborhood  ? — Consider,  good  Ulrike,  tiiat 
heaven  is  not  a  close  into  which  souls  are  to  be  driven 
blindfolded  ;  but  that  we,  who  are  of  the  flock,  have  at 
least  the  riglit,  as  we  have  the  means,  of  judging  whether 
the  shepherds  are  fit  for  their  ollice,  or  not." 


1 66  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

"And  should  they  prove  unequal  to,  or  unworthy  of 
their  duties,  where  do  we  find  authority  to  do  them  harm  ?" 

"  God's  my  life  !  good  wife  ;  are  our  swords  notliing  ? 
Are  a  noble  name,  an  ancient  and  high  descent,  a  long- 
standing claim  to  command,  and  a  stout  heart,  nothing  ?  " 

"  Arrayed  against  the  Almighty,  they  count  as  the  leaves 
of  your  own  forest  when  fluttering  in  a  gale  ; — less  than  the 
flakes  of  snow  that  drive,  in  winter,  against  the  battle- 
ments of  your  strong  castle.  Limburg  is  reared  in  honor 
of  God  ;  and  he  tliat  raiseth  a  hand  against  the  sacred 
walls,  will  be  apt  to  repent  the  rashness  in  woe.  If  there 
are  unworthy  ministers  at  its  altars,  there  are  also  those 
that  are  worthy  ;  and  were  it  not  so,  the  mission  is  too 
high  to  be  sullied  by  any  frailty  of  those  who  abuse  their 
trusts." 

The  Count  was  disturbed  ;  for  UlrilvC  spoke  earnestly, 
and  in  a  voice  of  sweet  persuasion.  He  leaned  his  chin 
upon  a  hand,  as  a  man  that  pondered  well  upon  the  haz- 
ards of  his  enterprise. 

"What  thinkest  thou,  Ulrike,  of  this  brother  of  Witten- 
berg ? "  he  at  length  asked.  "  Could  we  but  fairly  make 
him  out  honest  and  wise,  ecclesiastical  authority  for  low- 
ering the  pride  of  Limburg  might  be  had  !  " 

"  I  am  one  of  those  who  think  brother  Luther  honest  ;  I 
am  also  one  of  those  who  think  him  mistaken  :  but  even 
he  is  far  from  urging  to  deeds  of  violence." 

"By  Saint  Benedict!  woman,  thou  hast  had  converse 
with  Father  Arnolph,  touching  this  question.  Echo  does 
not  answer  sound  more  faithfully  than  thou  repeatest  the 
sentiments  of  the  Prior." 

*'  It  is  not  strange  that  they  who  love  God  should  feel 
and  speak  alike  in  a  matter  affecting  his  honor.  I  have  said 
nought  to  Father  Arnolph,  nor  to  any  other  of  the  Abbey, 
of  your  designs  ;  for  it  is  not  easy  for  Ulrike  Frey  to  for- 
get she  is  both  wife  and  mother.  But  I  have  prayed  often, 
that  the  hearts  of  those  who  contemplate  this  dangerous 
sacrilege  may  be  softened  ;  and  that,  for  their  own  safety, 
they  may  yet  see  the  evil  of  their  plot.  Believe  me.  Count, 
the  Dread  Being  who  is  worshipped  in  Limburg,  will  not 
forget  to  avenge  himself  of  those  who  despise  his  power !  " 

"Thou  art  certain,  Ulrike,  that  thy  opinions  have  weight 
with  me,  for  since  childhood  have  I  known  and  respected 
thy  wisdom.  Nay,  had  there  not  been  want  of  those  claims 
which  birth  can  alone  give,  thou  wouldst  now  be  sitting 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  167 

in  this  castle  its  mistress,  ntid  not  a  guest.  The  self-denial 
which  was  practised,  in  order  to  do  my  father  pleasure 
cost  me  much  pain  for  many  years  ;  nor  did  I  rightly  re- 
gain my  freedom,  until  the  birth  of  my  eldest  born  turned 
my  hopes  towards  posterity." 

It  is  seldom  woman  hears  the  acknowledgment  of  her 
influence  with  the  stronger  sex,  without  secret  satisfac- 
tion. As  there  had  been  nothing  in  the  attachment  to 
which  the  Count  alluded,  to  alarm  her  principles  or  to  of- 
fend her  delicacy,  Ulrike  listened  to  this  reference  to  the 
feeling  and  incidents  of  their  younger  days,  with  a  smile 
that  produced  an  effect  on  her  gentle  features,  which  re- 
sembled the  melancholy  light  which  illuminated  the 
cliapel  of  the  religious  community  in  question  ;  or  which 
was  mild,  placid,  and,  if  we  may  be  permitted  an  expres- 
sion so  vague,  tinged  with  hues  of  tlic  past. 

"  We  are  no  longer  young,  Emich,"  she  answered,  with- 
drawing her  hand,  under  a  keen  impulse  of  its  propriety — 
"  and  that  which  thou  speakest  belongs  to  a  former  age. 
But  if  thou  dost,  in  sooth,  entertain  this  opinion  of  my 
discretion,  I  haye  never  said  aught  of  thee  but  in  thy 
lionor.  There  were  other  reasons  than  the  late  Count's 
will,  why  I  could  not  listen  to  thy  suit,  as  thou  w^ert  then 
informed;  for  we  are  none  of  us  the  controllers  of  those 
sjntiments  which   so   much   depend  on  taste  or  accident." 

"  By  the  sainted  eleven  thousand  of  Koeln  !  Heinrich 
Frey  was  scarce  a  youth  to  do  this  disadvantage  to  the  heir 
of  my  line  and  name  !  " 

"  Heinrich  Frey  received  my  troth,  as  the  noble 
Ermengarde  received  thine,  Llerr  von  Hartenburg,"  an- 
swered Ulrike,  with  the  composure  of  one  wliose  feelings 
had  never  been  interested  in  the  refusal  to  whicli  she  al- 
luded, and  with  the  dignity  of  a  woman  sensitively  alive  to 
her  husband's  character.  "  By  Heaven's  favor,  we  are 
both  happier  than  if  wedded  either  above  or  beneath  our 
hopes.  But  if  thou  couldst  deny  thyself  this  boon — for 
such,  in  thy  young  fancies,  didst  tliou  beHeve  my  hand — 
to  oblige  thy  father  of  earth,  wilt  thou  still  defy  him  of 
Heaven,  to  gratify  a  longing  less  excusable  ? '.' 

"Go  to,  Ulrike;  thou  pressest  me  out  of  reason;  \ 
know  not  fairly  that  I  even  meditate  the  enterprise  thou 
meanest." 

"  Or,  in  other  language,  IJKni  art  not  yet  decided  to 
commit  the   sacrilege.      Before    thy   hand  strikes  the  irre- 


i68  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

trievable  blow,  Herr  Count,  hear  one  that,  in  thy  youth, 
thou  professed  to  love,  and  who  yet  remembers  thy 
preference,  with  grateful  kindness." 

"  Thou  art  more  indulgent  as  a  matron  than  as  a  maid ! 
This  is  the  first  word  of  pity  for  all  the  sorrow  thou 
causedst  my  youth,  that  liath  ever  escaped  thee  !  " 

'' Pity  is  a  term  it  would  ill  become  Ulrike  Haitzinger 
to  use  to  Emich  von  Leiningen.  I  said  gratitude,  Herr 
Count  ;  for  the  woman  that  pretendeth  not  to  feel  this 
sentiment  towards  the  honorable  youth  that  has  preferred 
her  to  all  others  of  her  sex,  payeth  an  indifferent  compli- 
ment to  her  own  heart.  I  never  disavowed  that  thy  suit 
gave  me  both  gratification  and  sorrow — gratification,  that 
one  of  thy  hopes  could  find  sufficient  in  me  to  justify 
thy  choice  ;  sorrow,  that  thou  wert  necessarily  disap- 
pointed." 

"And  had  our  births  been  nearer  an  equality,  gentle 
Ulrike,  hadstthou,  like  me,  come  of  noble  parentage,  or  I 
like  thee,  been  of  more  humble  origin,  couldst  thou,  in 
sooth,  have  found  in  thy  heart,  the  excuse  for  a  different 
answer  ? " 

"  We  are  here  to  discuss  other  matters,  Herr  von 
Hartenburg,  than  these  recollections  of  childish  feelings." 

"  God's  my  life  !  Callest  thou  the  pain  of  disappointed 
affection  a  childish  sorrow  ?  Thou  wert  ever  tranquil 
in  temper,  and  too  much  disposed  to  indifference  on  the 
subject  of  any  warmth  of  heart  beyond  the  cold  duties  of 
family  regard." 

"  This  may  be  my  fault,  if  you  will.  Count  Emich,  but  I 
esteem  it  an  advantage  to  feel  strongest  where  duty  most 
directs  the  affections." 

"  I  remember  thy  final  answer,  made  through  thy  friend 
young  Berchthold's  mother — I  owe  the  lad  no  grace  for 
the  boon,  were  justice  done — but  thou  answered,  that  the 
daughter  of  a  Burgomaster  was  unfit  to  be  the  partner  of 
a  Baron  ;  and  thou  prayedst  me  to  render  all  duty  to  the 
Count  my  father,  that  his  blessing  might  lighten  the  disap- 
pointment. Now,  were  the  truth  known,  that  reply  cost 
thee  no  more  than  a  simple  refusal  to  one  of  thy  maidens 
of  some  trifling  grace  !  " 

"  Were  the  truth  known,  Emich,  it  would  tell  a  different 
tale.  Thou  wert  then  young,  and,  though  violent  and  hot- 
headed, not  without  many  manly  virtues  ;  and  thou  greatly 
overratest  the  power  of  a  thoughtful  girl,  if  thou  supposes! 


THE   FTEIDENMAUER.  i6g 

she  would  gladly  give  pain,  where  she  has  received  naught 
but  esteem." 

"And  had  I  been  thy  neighbor's  child — orwert  thou  the 
daughter  of  some  equal  of  the  empire  ? — " 

"  In  that  case,  Lord  Count,  the  answer  would  have  been 
the  same,"  said  the  other,  firmly,  though  her  countenance 
evidently  lost  its  tranquil  brightness  in  a  transient  cloud  : 
*'  The  heart  of  Ulrike  Haitzinger  spoke  in  that  reply,  as 
welJ  as  her  prudence." 

"  God's  truth  !  thou  art  of  cutting  simplicity  !  "  cried  the 
Count,  rising  abruptly,  and  losing  the  expression  of  gentle- 
ness that  the  recollection  of  his  better  days  and  youthful 
feelings  had  given  his  features,  in  their  usual  hardened 
character.  "Thou  forgettest,  Frau  F'rey,  that  I  am  a  poor 
Count  of  Leiningen  !  " 

"  If  I  have  failed  in  meet  respect,"  returned  the  mild 
Ulrike,  ''  I  am  now  reminded  of  the  fault,  and  will  sin  no 
more." 

"  Nay,  I  w^ould  say  naught  unkind  or  ungentle — but  thou 
bruised  my  spirit,  with  a  sore  answer.  We  were  conversing 
of  the  accursed  monks,  too,  and  blood  gets  hot  at  the  men- 
tion of  their  names.  Thou  thinkest,  then,  my  excollcnt 
neighbor,  that,  as  Christians,  we  are  bound  to  submit  to 
all  the  exactions  of  these  reverend  knaves,  and  that  to  pre- 
sume to  right  ourselves,  is  Hying  in  the  face  of  Heaven's 
autiiority  ? " 

"You  put  the  case  in  your  own  humor.  Count.  I  have 
said  naught  of  abject  forbearance,  (jr  of  unnecessary  sub- 
mission. If  the  Limbur"' monks  are  forefctfid  of  their  vows, 
the  question  is  of  their  own  safety  : — as  for  us,  we  have  to 
look  that  we  do  nothinc:  wron^^ful  of  itself,  or  nothinsr 
that  mav  be  accoiuited  disrespectful  to  llim  we  wor- 
ship " — '- 

*'  Prithee,  good  Ulrike,"  interrupted  Emich,  resuming 
his  seat,  in  tlie  familiar  manner  he  had  used  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  dialogue,  "let  us  converse,  in  freedom, 
of  tills  inclination  of  thy  child.  I  love  young  lierchtliold, 
and  would  fain  do  him  service  were  the  means  offering  ; 
but  I  greatly  fear  we  shall  have  dilhcultyin  bringing  llein- 
rich  t«  a  ccjmplying  state  of  mind." 

"The  apprehensi(jn  of  his  refusal  hath  caused  me  much 
uneasiness,  Herr  von  Uartenburg,"  returned  the  tender 
mother  ;  "  for  the  Burgomaster  is  not  one  of  those  who 
change  their  opinions  readily.     The  over-zealous   persua- 


I70  THE   HEIDENMAUER, 

sion  of  frfends  increases  his  faitli  in  himself,  at  times,  in- 
stead of  softening  those  resohitions  which  the  wisest  of  us 
are  apt  to  form  liastily  and  without  thought." 

*''  This  quality  of  thy  excellent  consort  hath  not  escaped 
me.  But  Heinricli  Frey  was  wived  so  happily  himself,  and 
with  so  little  claim  to  riches  on  his  own  part,  that  he  should 
not,  in  reason,  bear  too  heavily  on  a  youth  that  might  have 
known  better  days,  but  for  a  hard  fortune  befalling  his 
parents.  He  that  hath  been  poor,  should  have  respect  for 
poverty  in  others." 

*'  I  fear  that  such  is  not  the  working  of  human  nature," 
answered  the  thoughful  wife,  nearly  unconscious  of  what 
she  uttered.  ''  Our  experience  in  life  would  prove  that 
they  who  have  risen  show  the  least  tolerance  for  those  who 
tarry  in  the  rear  ;  and,  as  none  prize  the  gifts  of  rank  and 
consequence  so  much  as  tliey  to  whom  they  are  novelties, 
we  ought  not  to  expect  the  successful  man  too  soon  to  for- 
get the  longings  he  felt  w4ien  in  adversity,  nor  him  to  whom 
honors  are  new,  to  look  too  closely  into  their  vanity." 

"  Nay,  Heinrich  is  not  so  young  in  consideration,  or  so 
new  to  fortune,  as  to  be  classed  with  these." 

"  Heinrich  !  "  exclaimed  the  matron,  across  whose  cliaste 
brow  there  stole  a  crimson  suffusion,  that  resembled  the 
flush  of  even  upon  the  snowy  peaks  of  the  Alps — ''  There 
is  not  question,  here,  of  Heinrich  Frey !  " 

The  Count  smiled  till  the  mustachios  curled  upon  his 
brown  cheeks. 

*' Thou  art  right,"  he  answered  courteously;  ''it  is  in 
Berchthold  and  Meta  that  we  are  most  interested.  I  think 
I  see  the  means  of  accomplishing  all  we  wish  in  their  be- 
half, and  means  that  offer  so  readily  as  to  wear  the  air  of 
being  a  gift  of  Providence." 

"  They  are  only  the  more  welcome  for  their  character." 

''Thou  knowest,  Ulrike,  that  lam  greatly  burthened 
with  charges  that  lay  heavily  on  all  of  my  rank.  Ermen- 
garde  hath  most  of  the  qualities  of  her  station,  and  a  love 
of  splendor  that  is  costly  ;  besides,  this  outfit  of  my  young 
heir,  who  travels  with  the  Emperor,  hath  much  drained  me 
of  means,  of  late  ;  else  would  I  offer,  of  pure  love  for  thee 
and  thine  that  which  would  make  the  connection  accep- 
table to  Heinrich.  In  this  strait,  borne  down,  as  we  all  are 
by  the  war,  and  saddled  with  the  cost  of  keeping  on  foot 
so  many  men  in  Hartenburg,  I  see  no  other  present  means 
than  that  I  have  just  mentioned." 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  171 

''Or  have  not  mentioned;  for,  in  the  desire  to  prove 
your  inability  to  serve  the  youth,  nothing  Iiath  yet  been 
said  of  this  favorable  chance  offered  by  Providence." 

"  I  cry  thy  mercy  !  Thou  hast  rightly  judged  me,Ul- 
rike,  for  I  feel  it  a  reproach  to  be  able  to  do  nothing  for 
one  I  so  esteem." 

"  Put  no  undue  meaning  on  my  words,"  interrupted  the 
matron,  smiling  like  one  who  wished  to  reassure  her  com- 
panion. "  It  has  nevercntcred  my  thoughts  that  the  Counts 
of  Leiningen  are  bound  to  portion  all  who  serve  them,  ac- 
cording to  their  several  hopes.  It  would  lighten  the  heaviest 
purse  in  the  Palatinate,  Ilerr  Emich,  to  furnish  an  equal 
marriage-gift  to  that  which  may  be  the  share  of  Meta 
Frey." 

"  None  know  this  better  than  I.  Hcinrich  and  I  have 
often  discoursed  of  the  affair,  and  I  could  fain  wish  there 
existed  no  inequality  of  rank — but  this  is  idle,  and  we  will 
talk  only  of  Berchthold  and  his  hopes.  Thou  are  aware, 
Ulrike,  that  there  are  heavy  issues  between  me  and  the 
brotherhood  concerning  certain  dues,  not  only  in  the  valley, 
but  on  the  plain,  and  that  the  contest  fairly  settled  in  my 
favor  will  much  increase  my  revenues.  Now  were  this  un- 
happy dissension  decided  as  I  could  wish,  it  would  not  only 
be  in  my  power,  but  it  would  become  my  wish,  to  bestow 
such  grace  on  all  my  principal  followers,  and  on  none  so 
much  as  on  Berchthold,  as  might  leave  a  favorable  opinion 
of  my  bounty.  We  want  but  this  affair  rightly  settled  to 
possess  the  means  of  winning  Heinrich  to  our  desires." 

"  Could  this  be  honestly  done,  my  blessing  on  him  that 
shall  effect  it  !  " 

"  I  rejoice  to  hear  thee  say  this,  good  Ulrike.  Thou,  of 
all  others,  mayest  be  most  useful  in  the  matter.  Heinrich 
and  I  have  well  nigh  decided  on  the  fitness  of  disturbing 
the  monks  in  their  riotous  abominations " 

"  The  words  are  strong,  when  applied  to  professed  Ben- 
edictines !  " 

"  By  the  holy  Magi !  they  are  more  than  merited.  Here, 
has  not  the  day  twice  turned  since  I  had  Bonifacius  him- 
self weltering  in  wine  beneath  the  roof  of  Hartcnbui-g,  an' 
he  had  been  a  roistererof  asuburb!  Bonifacius,  Limburg's 
Abbot,  have  I  seen  in  this  unfit  condition,  Frau  Ulrike, 
within  mine  own  good  castle  walls  !  " 

''  And  in  thine  own  good  castle  company,  Ilerr  Emich  ?" 

"  Dost    thou   make    no   difference    between    Baron  and 


172  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

Monk  ?  Am  I  a  sworn  professor  of  godliness,  a  shaven 
crown,  or  one  that  looketh  to  be  accounted  better  than  his 
fellows  ?  That  I  am  noble  is  the  chance  of  fortune,  and  as 
such  I  receive  and  profit  by  the  advantage,  though,  I  trust, 
always  in  fitting  reason  ;  but  no  man  can  say  that  Emich 
of  Leiningen  pretends  aught  to  the  especial  virtues  of  a 
monkish  character.  We  that  are  modest  may  claim  to  in- 
dulge our  failings,  but  justice  should  heavily  visit  him  that 
sins  under  a  cloak  of  sanctity." 

"  I  know  not  that  thy  exception  may  avail  thee  in  the  end. 
But  thou  wouldest  say  something  to  Berchthold  H inter- 
may  er's  advantage  ? — " 

"  That  would  1,  and  right  heartily.  Could  Heinrich  be 
brought  to  a  firm  mind,  that  I  might  count  on  the  sup- 
port of  the  townsmen,  these  reprobates  in  cowls  should 
be  quickly  disposed  of  ;  and,  as  of  necessity,  my  dues 
would  be  much  augmented,  by  clothing  Berchthold  with 
a  deputy's  authority  over  the  recovered  fields  and  vil- 
lages, he  should  so  gain  in  men's  respect,  as  to  soften  the 
reluctance  of  the  hardest-hearted  Burgomaster  in  all  Ger- 
many." 

"  And  in  what  manner  dost  thou  look  to  me  in  effecting 
this  object  ? " 

"  One  of  thy  understanding  need  scarce  put  the  ques- 
tion. Thou  hast  been  long  a  wife,  Ulr'ke,  and  art  skilled 
in  the  persuasions  of  thy  sex.  I  kno\^  not  thy  practice 
with  Heinrich  ;  but  w^ien  Ermengarde  would  have  her  way, 
spite  of  her  husband's  inclinations,  she  has  various  man- 
ners of  coming  to  her  wishes.  To-day  she  is  smiling,  to- 
morrow silent ;  now  she  fondles,  and  then  she  frowns  ;  and, 
most  of  all,  is  she  ready  in  seizing  the  moments  of  idle  con- 
fidence to  press  on  my  unprepared  reason  the  arguments 
of  kisses  and  coquetry." 

"  It  were  idle  to  say  I  do  not  understand  you,  Herr  von 
Hartenburg.  I  wish  not  to  raise  the  curtain  of  your  do- 
mestic confidence,  nor  do  I  feel  disposed  that  any  should 
presume  to  lift  mine.  Heinrich  and  I  pursue  our  several 
ways,  as  each  deems  right,  though,  I  trust,  ahvays  with  the 
harmony  of  wedded  interests,  and  I  am  little  practised  in 
the  influence  you  mention.  But,  dear  as  Meta  is  to  the 
heart  of  her  mother — and  surely  no  shoot  from  the  parent 
stem  ever  gave  fonder  hopes,  or  justified  more  tender  re- 
gard"— Ulrike  folded  her  hands,  and  turned  her  meek  blue 
eyes  to  heaven — "  much  as  I   esteem  young    Berchthold, 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  173 

who  is  the  child  of  my  yoiitli's  nearest  friend  ;  and  gladly 
as  I  would  see  their  young  hearts  for  ever  bound  up  in 
the  same  ties  of  family  concord  and  matrimonial  love,  the 
common  parents  of  lisping  laughing  babes  that  should 
cluster  at  my  knee,  giving  the  evening  of  life  some  com- 
pensation for  the  chill  of  its  noon-tide — rather  than  aid 
thee  in  this  unhallowed  design  ;  rather  than  do  aught, 
even  in  rebellious  thouglit,  against  the  altars  of  my  God  ; 
rather  than  set  my  selfislincss  in  array  against  his  dread 
power,  or  fancy  wish  of  mine  can  prove  excuse  for  sacri- 
lege— I  could  follow  the  girl  to  her  grave,  wnth  a  tearless 
eye,  and  place  my  own  head  by  her  side,  without  regret  for 
that  calm  decline  which,  when  the  w^eary  probation  of  life 
is  ended,  Heaven  grants  to  the  deserving." 

The  Count  of  Leiningen  recoiled  at  the  energy  with 
which  his  companion  spoke  ;  for  none  are  so  commanding 
as  the  mild  w^hen  aroused  to  resistance,  or  so  authoritative 
as  the  good  when  required  to  exhibit  the  beauty  of  their 
principles.  He  was  disappointed  ;  but,  though  a  sort  of 
instinct  warned  him  that  he  had  no  further  hopes  of  gain- 
ing the  assistance  of  Ulrike,  and,  almost  w^ithout  knowing 
it  himself,  the  respect  which  he  had  always  entertained  for 
his  companion  was  increased.  Taking  the  hand  she  ex- 
tended to  him,  in  amity,  the  moment  her  excitement  had 
a  little  abated,  he  was  about  to  reply,  when  a  footstep  in 
the  adjoining  room,  and  a  timid  tap  at  the  door,  inter- 
rupted him. 

"  Thou  canst  enter,"  said  the  Baron,  believing  that  one 
of  the  castle  maidens  was  without,  and  glad  for  the  re- 
lief. 

"A  million  of  thanks  for  the  honor,"  returned  Use, 
courtseying  to  tlie  floor  as  she  availed  herself  of  the  privi- 
lege. "This  is  the  first  time  so  great  a  favor  ever  befell 
me  in  Hartenburg,  though,  when  a  girl,  as  it  might  be  a 
ruddy  maiden  like  our  Meta,  I  once  was  admitted  to  a 
closet  in  Heidelberg.  There  was  I,  and  the  late  Burgo- 
master, Ulrike's  father,  and  the  good  wife,  her  mother,  on 
a  junketing,  in  our  young  days,  to  see  the  curiosities  of 
the  Elector's  Palace,  and  we  had  visited  the  tun " 

"Thou  art  sent  to  seek  me?"  interrupted  the  mistress. 
"  Hath  Meta  need  of  her  mother?" 

"  That  may  be  always  said  of  a  certainty,  for  girls  of 
that  age  are  like  the  young  of  the  nest,  Herr  Count,  who 
arc  ever  in  danger  of  breaking  their  necks,  if  they  take  a 


174  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

hasty  flight,  without  the  example  of  the  old  to  give  them 
prudence  as  well  as  courage.  Twenty  times  each  day — 1 
know  not  an'  if  it  be  not  fifty — do  1  say  to  our  Meta,  'Do  as 
thou  wilt,  child,  an*  thou  dost  nothing  amiss.'  I  hold  it  to  be 
wrongful  to  curb  young  humors  so  long  as  they  are  inno- 
cent;  and  therefore  do  I  say,  that  kindness  is  a  better 
rod  than  anger  ;  and,  in  this  reproving  and  chastening 
manner,  Herr  von  Hartenburg,  have  I  reared  both  Meta 
and  her  mother.  Well,  here  you  both  are,  in  friendly 
communion,  an'  you  were  children  of  the  same  cradle! — 
and  Heinrich  Frey  is  yon,  without,  tasting  the  rhenish 
with  the  two  churchmen  that  infect  the  castle " 

"Thou  wouldst  surely  say  frequent,  good  nurse." 

"What  matters  a  word,  child  !  Infect  or  frequent  are 
much  the  same,  when  one  speaketh  of  the  gentle  and  gay ! 
I  remember  ye  both  young  and  handsome,  and  a  pair  that 
the  whole  town  of  Duerckheim  said  ought  never  to  be 
parted  ;  for  if  one  was  noble,  the  other  was  good ;  if 
one  was  strong  and  valiant,  the  other  was  fair  and  virtu- 
ous ;  but  the  w^ays  of  the  world  led  ye  on  different  paths 
and  Heaven  forbid  that  I  should  say  aught  against  ways 
that  so  many  travel !  " 

"  And  thou  hast  left  Meta  with  those  that  infect  the  cas- 
tle, to  come  and  say  this  ?  " 

"Naught  like  it.  It  is  true  I  let  the  girl  listen  to  a  few 
of  their  idle  words,  for  without  experience  a  maiden  may 
not  know  when  to  repulse  an  improper  freedom  ;  but  for 
any  levity  to  escape  my  eye,  were  as  impossible  as  for  my 
Lord  Count  to  fail  in  duty  to  the  Limburg  altars.  No,  I 
complain  not  of  the  stranger  nobles  ;  for  while  he  of  Rhodes 
did  many  gentle  offices  in  behalf  of  Meta,  the  reverend  Abbe 
held  me  in  discourse  touching  this  heresy  of  Luther,  and,  I 
warrant  you,  ecclesiastic  as  he  is,  he  went  not  away  the 
worse  for  my  opinion  of  the  schismatic.  We  had  goodly 
discourse  on  the  dangers  and  tribulations  of  the  times, 
and  might  liave  had  much  learning  between  us,  but  for 
young  Berchthold,  who  fancied  himself  beating  the  forest, 
by  the  manner  in  which  he  threshed  among  the  old  armor 
of  the  hall,  disturbing  all  present  with  the  idle  pretence 
of  seeking  a  cross-bow  for  the  Count's  pleasure  in  the 
morning;  as  if  the- Herr  Count  would  have  hunted  with 
less  satisfaction  because  there  were  w^ise  words  uttered  in 
his  halls !  The  Hintermayers  are  a  race  I  love,  but  this 
youth  seemeth  to  be  wanting  of  respect  for  years." 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  175 

"  And  what  hast  done  with  my  child  ?" 

"  Thou  knowest  it  was  thy  desire  she  should  say  a  few 
greetings  to  the  fallen  Lottchen  ;  and  when  I  thought  the 
wandering  cavalier  had  had  his  say,  I  beckoned  the  child 
away,  in  order  that  she  might  go  to  the  hamlet  on  that  er- 
rand. She  will  be  none  the  worse  for  the  discourse  with 
that  free  cavalier,  for  naught  so  quickens  virtue  of  the 
pure  stamp  as  a  little  contamination  with  vice — it  is  like 
the  base  metal  they  put  in  gold,  to  make  the  precious  ore 
hard  and  able  to  undergo  many  hands." 

"Thou  hast  not  suffered  Meta  to  go  unattended?" 

"Didst  ever  know  me  fail  in  duty?  Thy  motherly 
heart  is  quick  to  take  alarm,  like  the  bird  fxutteringat  each 
leaf  that  rustles.  Not  I,  in  sooth  ;  I  sent  the  vain  Gisela 
to  keep  her  company,  and  whispered  our  Meta  well,  as 
they  departed,  not  to  fail  to  draw  instruction  from  her 
companion's  light  discourse,  which,  I  will  warrant,  turns 
on  naught  else  but  the  gallantries  of  these  strangers.  Oh  ! 
leave  old  Use  to  profit  by  anything  edifying  that  may  turn 
up,  in  the  way  of  accident !  I  that  never  yet  lost  a  good 
moral  for  want  of  pushing  an  opportunity  !  and  here 
stands  Ulrike  as  proof  of  what  I  have  done.  I  owe  you 
excuses,  Herr  Emich,  for  sending  away  your  forester  ;  but 
the  boy  vexed  me  with  his  clatter  among  the  shields  and 
arquebuses,  and,  in  order  to  give  him  a  wholesome  lesson 
in  silence,  I  sent  him  to  see  Meta  safe  to  his  mother's  door, 
under  the  pretence  of  its  being  necessary  to  have  a  man- 
ly arm  present,  to  beat  off  the  barking  curs  of  the 
hamlet." 

"  Does  Heinrich  know  this  ? " 

"  In  sootli,  he  is  so  beset  with  thy  honor  in  being  closeted 
with  my  Lord  the  Count,  that  he  does  little  besides  talk  of 
it,  and  take  his  cup.  When  the  child  was  thus  cared  for, 
by  the  one  who  first  held  her  in  arms,  and  one,  too, 
whose  experience  is  little  short  of  threescore  and  four- 
teen, I  saw  not  the  necessity  of  calling  him  from  his  pleas- 
ures." 

Ulrike  smiled,  and  turning  to  the  Count,  who  had  been 
so  much  lost  in  thought  as  to  give  little  heed  to  the  words 
of  the  nurse,  she  offered  him  her  hand,  and  they  left  the 
closet  in  company. 


176  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

*'  Ah,  now  soft  blushes  tinge  her  cheeks, 
And  mantle  on  her  neck  of  snow." — ROGERS. 

The  cottag-e  of  Lottchen,  the  mother  of  Berchthold,  was 
distinguished  from  the  otiier  habitations  of  the  hamlet,  only 
by  its  greater  neatness,  and  by  tliat  air  of  superior  comfort 
which  depends  chiefly  on  taste  and  habit,  and  of  wliich 
poverty  itself  can  scarcely  deprive  those  who  have  been 
educated  in  the  usages  and  opinions  of  a  higher  caste.  It 
stood  a  little  apart  from  the  general  cluster  of  humble 
roofs  ;  and,  in  addition  to  its  other  marks  of  superiority,  it 
possessed  the  advantage  of  a  small  inclosure,  by  which  it 
was  partially  removed  from  the  publicity  and  noise  that 
rob  most  of  the  villages  and  hamlets  of  Europe  of  a  rural 
character. 

We  have  had  frequent  occasions  to  allude  to  the  difficulty 
of  conveying  accurate  ideas  of  positive  things,  or  even  of 
moral  and  political  truths,  while  using  the  terms  which  use 
has  appropriated  to  the  two  hemispheres,  but  which  are 
liable  to  so  much  qualification  in  their  respective  meanings. 
What  is  comfort  in  one  country  would  be  thought  great 
discomfort  in  another,  and  even  the  two  higher  degrees  of 
comparison  must  always  be  understood  subject  to  a  right 
knowledge  of  their  positive  qualities.  Thus  most  beauti- 
ful conveys  nothing  clear,  unless  we  can  agree  on  what  is 
beautiful  ;  while  neatness  and  elegance,  and  even  size, 
taken  in  their  popular  significations,  become  purely  terms 
of  local  convention.  Were  we  to  say  that  the  cottage  of 
Lottchen  Hintermayer  resembled,  in  the  least,  one  of  those 
white  and  spotless  dwellings,  with  its  Venetian  blinds  and 
pillared  piazzas,  its  grassy  court  in  front,  and  its  garden 
teeming  with  golden  fruit  in  the  rear,  its  acacias  and  wil- 
lows shading  the  low  roof,  and  its  shrubbery  exhaling  the 
odors  that  a  generous  sun  can  extract,  we  should  give  such 
a  picture  to  the  reader  as  Europe  nowhere  presents — no- 
where, because  in  those  regions  in  which  nature  has  been 
bountiful,  man  has  been  held  in  mental  duress  ;  and  in 
those  in  wliich  man  is  sufficiently  advanced  and  free  to  re- 
quire the  indulgences  we  have  named,  nature  denies  the 
boons  so  necessary  to  their  existence.      Here,   and  here 


rilE   JIEIDENMAUER.  177 

only,  do  those  whom  fortune  has  not  smiled  upon,  possess 
the  union  of  comfort,  space,  retirement  and  luxury,  which 
depend  on  the  causes  named,  for  it  is  only  here  that  are 
found  the  habits  necessary  to  their  production,  in  con- 
junction with  the  required  climate  and  a  cheapness  of  ma- 
terial and  land,  to  place  the  whole  within  the  reach  of 
those  who  are  not  affluent.  We  wish,  therefore,  to  be 
understood  as  speaking,  at  all  times,  under  the  conscious- 
ness of  this  difference  in  the  value  of  terms,  for,  without 
such  an  understanding,  there  will  be  little  intelligence  be- 
tween us  and  our  countrymen. 

We  have  made  this  explanation,  lest  the  reader  might 
fancy  some  affinity  between  the  hamlet  of  Hartenburg  and 
one  in  the  older  settlements  of  the  Union.  The  remote- 
ness of  the  period  might  indeed  give  some  reason  to  sus- 
pect such  a  resemblance,  but  were  the  tale  one  of  our  own 
times,  it  would  be  scarcely  probable.  The  Germans,  like- 
all  the  more  northern  nation"?,  are  neat,  in  proportion  to 
their  several  degrees  of  civilization  ;  and  the  great  fre- 
quency of  the  little  capitals  whicli  dot  its  surface,  and 
which  have  all  been,  more  or  less,  beautified  by  their 
respective  princes,  lias  caused  it  to  possess  a  greater  num- 
ber of  spacious  and  cleanly  towms,  in  proportion  to  its 
population,  than  are  to  be  met  with  in  most  of  the  other 
countries  of  the  European  continent  ;  but,  as  elsewhere,  in 
that  quarter  of  the  world,  the  poor  are  poor  indeed. 

The  little  cluster  of  houses  that  were  grouped  beneath 
the  salient  bastions  of  Hartenburg,  had  the  general  char- 
acter of  poverty  and  humility  which  still  belongs  to  nearly 
all  such  hamlets.  The  buildings  were  constructed  of  tim- 
ber and  mud,  with  thatched  roofs,  and  openings  to  which, 
in  that  age,  glass  was  a  stranger.  In  speaking  of  the  com- 
fort of  the  dwelling  of  Lottchen,  we  wish  to  say  little  more 
than  that  it  was  superior  to  its  fellows  in  these  particulars, 
and  that  it  had  the  additional  merit  of  faultless  neatness. 
The  furniture,  however,  gave  much  stronger  evidence  of 
tlie  former  condition  of  its  tenant.  Enougli  of  this  descrip- 
tion of  property  iiad  been  saved  from  the  wreck  of  her 
husband's  fortunes,  to  leave  before  the  eyes  of  its  mistress 
these  traces  of  happier  days — one  of  those  melancholy 
consolations  in  advcrsitv  wiiich  are  common  among  those 
whose  fall  has  been  broken  by  some  light  circumstances  of 
mitigation,  and  which,  as  monitors  to  delicacy  and  tender- 
ness, make  touching  appeals  to  the  recollections  of  the 
12 


178  THE  IIEIDEiVMAUER, 

spectator.  But  Berchthold's  mother  had  still  better  claims 
to  the  respect  of  those  who  came  beneath  her  humble  lin- 
tel. As  we  have  already  said,  she  had  been  the  bosom 
friend  of  Ulrike  in  early  youth,  and,  by  education  and 
character,  she  was  still  every  way  worthy  of  holding  so 
near  a  trust  with  the  wife  of  the  Burgomaster.  The  allow- 
ance of  her  son  was  small  in  money,  but  the  Count  per- 
mitted his  forester  to  use  the  game  freely  ;  and,  as  German 
frugality  left  her  mistress  of  the  wardrobes  of  several  gen- 
erations, the  respectable  matron  had  never  known  absolute 
want,  and  was  at  all  times  able  to  make  such  a  personal 
appearance  as  better  suited  iier  former  than  her  present 
means.  In  addition  to  these  advantages,  Ulrike  never 
visited  the  Jaesferthal  without  thouQfht  of  her  friend's  ne- 
ccssities  ;  and  full  often,  at  times  and  seasons  when  this 
sacred  duty  could  not  be  performed  in  person,  w^as  Use 
dispatched  to  the  hamlet  as  the  substitute  of  her  consider- 
ate and  affectionate  mistress. 

The  cavalcade  from  the  Abbey  had,  of  necessity,  passed 
the  door  of  Lottchen,  and  she  was  fully  aware  of  the  in- 
tended visit.  When,  therefore,  Meta,  blooming  and  happy, 
entered  the  cottage,  attended  by  the  warder's  daughter, 
and  accompanied  by  Berchthold,  though  secretly  rejoicing 
in  what  she  saw,  the  pleased  and  watchful  matron  neither 
expressed  nor  felt  surprise. 

"  Thy  mother  ?  "  were  the  first  words  which  passed  the 
lips  of  the  widowed  Lottchen,  after  she  had  kissed  the 
glowing  and  warm  cheek  of  the  girl. 

"  Is  closeted  with  the  Herr  Emich,  my  father  says  ;  else 
would  she  be  sure  to  be  here.     She  has  sent  me  to  say  this." 

''And  thy  father?"  added  Lottchen,  with  emphasis, 
glancing  an  uneasy  eye  from  Meta  to  her  son. 

"  He  drinks  of  rhenish  with  the  castle  wassailers.  Tru- 
ly, my  mother  Lottchen,  thou  must  find  the  hamlet  un- 
quiet witli  these  graceless  spirits  in  the  hold.  Our  Lim- 
burg  monks  are  scarcely  so  thirsty  ;  and  for  idle  discourse, 
I  know  not  their  equal  in  Duerckheim,  town  of  vanities 
and  folly  though  it  be,  as  good  Use  is  apt  to  say." 

Lottchen  smiled,  fur  she  saw  by  the  playful  eye  of  her 
young  visitor,  that  nothing  unpleasant  had  occurred  ;  and 
giving  Gisela  welcome,  she  led  the  way  within. 

"Does  Heinrich  know  of  this  visit  ?"  asked  the  widow, 
when  her  young  guests  were  seated,  and  with  a  painful 
interest  in  the  answer. 


THE   HEIDENMAUER. 


179 


"  I  tell  thee,  Lottchen,  that  my  father  quaffs  with  the 
strangers.  Here  is  Berchthold  thy  son — the  restless,  im- 
patient Berchthold — he  can  tell  thee,  mother,  into  what 
goodly  company  the  Burgomaster  of  Duerckheim  hath 
fallen!" 

As  Meta  said  this,  she  laughed,  though,  in  very  sooth, 
she  scarce  knew  why.  The  more  experienced  Lottchen 
saw  little  else  in  the  mirth  of  her  young  visitor  than  one 
of  those  buoyant  impulses  of  youth  which  lead  equally  to 
gayety  and  sorrow,  without  sufficient  cause  ;  but  she 
w^atchcd  the  countenance  of  her  own  child  with  solicitude, 
to  note  how  far  he  sympathized  with  the  merriment  of 
Meta.  Berchthold,  by  speaking,  was  the  interpreter  of 
his  own  thougiits. 

"Since  thcMi  appealest  to  me,"  he  said,  "my  answer  is, 
that  Heinrich  Frey  consorts  at  present  with  two  as  hope- 
less idlers  as  ever  darkened  door  in  Flartenburg.  Truly, 
Brother  Luther  needs  bestir  himself  for  the  Church,  when 
such  as  these  go  forth  in  its  garments  !  " 

"  Say  what  thou  wilt.  Master  Berchthold,"  cried  Gisela, 
*'of  the  prating  half-shaven  Abbe,  but  respect  him  of 
Rhodes,  as  a  soldier  in  evil  fortune,  and  one  that  is  both 
gentle  and  gallant." 

'*As  gallant  as  thou  wilt,"  cried  Meta,  with  warmth. 
"  Thy  humor  for  mild  discourse  must  be  formed  by  the 
rude  company  of  the  bold,  if  thou  stylest  these  gentle  ! " 

Lottchen  had  examined  each  face  earnestly,  and  her 
countenance  brightened  with  the  frankness  and  fervor  of 
the  last  speaker.  She  was  about  to  say  something  in 
guarded  commendation  of  her  judgment,  when  a  light 
step  was  heard  before  the  outer  door,  and  Ulrike  herself 
entered.  Notwithstanding  the  early  departure  of  the 
young  people  from  the  castle,  and  the  trilling  distance  be- 
tween its  walls  and  the  hamlet,  so  much  leisure  had  been 
wasted  in  idle  laughter  by  the  way,  or  in  culling  flowers 
on  the  hill-side,  that  she  had  sufffcient  time  to  exhaust  all 
that  old  Use  had  to  recount  concerning  the  manner  in 
which  she  had  disposed  of  her  charge,  and  to  follow  them 
t<j  the  cottage,  ere  the  discourse  had  gone  farther.  The 
meeting  between  the  friends  was,  as  wont,  warm  and 
happy.  When  the  usual  inquiries  were  exhausted,  and  a 
few  unmeaning  (observations  had  been  made  by  the  girls, 
the  younger  part  of  the  r()m[)any  were  gotten  rid  of,  under 
pretence   of  conducting   Meta  to  witness   the  manner    in 


I  So  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

which  Berchthold  had  arranged  the  nests  for  some  doves, 
which  had  been  a  present  from  herself  to  his  mother.  The 
two  parents  saw  tlie  departure  of  their  children,  always 
accompanied  by  Gisela,  with  satisfaction  ;  for  each  had 
need  of  a  secret  conference  with  the  other,  and  both  knew 
how  apt  youth  and  inclination  were  to  prolong  their  ab- 
sence by  means  of  those  thousand  little  delays  which  form 
the  unconscious  and  innocent  coquetry  of  love. 

When  left  to  themselves,  Ulrike  and  Lottchen  sat,  for 
some  time,  with  hands  interlocked,  regarding  one  another 
earnestly. 

''Thou  hast  borne  the  trying  season  of  the  spring  time 
well,  good  Lottchen,"  said  the  former,  w^ith  affection.  "  I 
have  no  longer  any  fear  that  thy  health  might  suffer  in 
this  damp  abode." 

"  And  thou  lookest  youthful  and  fair  as  when  we  strolled, 
like  thy  Meta  there,  laughing  and  thoughtless  girls,  on  the 
heath  of  the  Heidenmauer.  Of  all  I  have  known,  Ulrike, 
thou  art  the  least  changed  by  time,  either  in  form  or 
heart." 

The  gentle  pressure,  before  they  released  each  other's 
hands,  was  a  silent  pledge  of  their  mutual  esteem. 

"Thou  findest  Meta  blooming  and  happy?" 

"As  she  meriteth  to  be — and  Berchthold — I  think  him 
fast  growing  into  the  comeliness  and  form  of  his  sire  ?" 

"  He  is  all  I  could  wish — one  qualification  excepted,  my 
friend  ;  and  that,  thou  well  knowest,  I  do  not  wish  him  for 
any  other  reason  than  to  satisfy  Heinrich's  scruples." 

"  For  my  child,  that  qualification  is  hopeless.  Bercht- 
hold has  too  much  generous  indifference  to  gold,  ever  to 
accumulate,  were  the  means  his.  But  what  hope  is  there 
for  an  humble  forester,  who  travels  his  range  of  chase,  fol- 
lows his  lord  to  ceremonies,  or  attends  him  in  battle  ?" 

"The  Herr  Emich  values  thy  son,  and  I  do  think  would 
fain  do  him  favor.  Were  the  Count  earnestly  to  reason 
with  Heinrich,  all  hope  would  not  yet  be  lost." 

Lottchen  dropped  her  eyes  to  the  work  on  which  her 
needle  was  employed,  for  necessity  had  rendered  her  sys- 
tematically industrious.  The  pause  was  long  and  thought- 
ful. But  while  Ulricke  pondered  on  the  chances  of  over- 
coming her  husband's  love  of  money  and  his  worldly  views, 
a  very  different  picture  had  presented  itself  to  the  mind  of 
her  friend.  The  eyelids  of  the  latter  trembled,  and  a  hot 
tear  fell  upon  the  linen  in  her  lap. 


THE  HEIDENMAUER,  i8l 

"  I  have  thought  much  of  late,  Ulricke,"  she  said,  "  of 
the  justice  of  burdening  thy  happiness  and  golden  fort- 
unes with  the  load  of  our  adversity.  Berchthold  is  young 
and  brave,  and  there  seems  as  little  necessitv  as  there  is 
right  in  weighing  thee  and  Meta  dowm  to  our  own  level. 
I  have  anxiously  wished  for  the  means  of  counselling  with 
some  friend  less  interested  than  thou,  on  the  fitness  of 
what  we  do  ;  but  it  is  difficult  to  speak  of  so  delicate  a  sub- 
ject without  wronging  thy  daughter." 

"  If  thou  woukiest  have  the  most  disinterested  and 
wisest  of  all  advisers,  Lottchen,  take  counsel  of  thine  own 
heart." 

"  That  tells  me  to  be  just  to  thee  and  Meta." 

"  Dost  thou  know  aught  of  Bcrchthold's  manners  or 
mind  that  may  have  escaped  the  observation  of  an  anx- 
ious mother,  who  desires  to  match  her  own  child  with  none 
but  the  deserving  ?  " 

Lottchen  smiled  through  her  tears,  and  gazed  at  the  mild 
features  of  Ulrike  with  reverence. 

"  If  thou  wouldest  hear  evil  of  the  youth,  do  not  come 
to  her  who  hath  no  other  hope,  for  the  tidings.  The  or- 
phan is  the  sole  riches  of  his  widowed  mother,  and  thou 
mayest  not  get  the  truth  from  one  that  regards  her  treas- 
ure with  so  much  covetousness." 

"  And  dost  thou  fancy,  Lottchen,  that  thy  son  in  pover- 
ty is  dearer  to  thee  than  is  ]\lcta  to  her  mother,  though 
Providence  may  have  left  us  wealth  and  consideration  ! 
Misfortune  hath  indeed  changed  thee,  and  thou  art  no 
longer  tiie  Lottchen  of  my  young  days  !  " 

"  I  will  say  no  more,  Ulrike,"  answered  the  widows 
in  a  low  voice,  speaking  like  one  rebuked  ;  "  I  leave  all 
to  heaven  and  thee  !  Thou  art  certain  that  were  Bercht- 
hold Count  of  Leiningen,  his  and  my  desire  would  be  to 
see  Meta  his  bride." 

A  nearly  imperceptible  smile  played  upon  the  sweet 
moutli  of  Ulrike,  for  slie  bethought  her  of  the  recent  dis- 
cf)ursc  with  Emich  ;  but  there  was  neither  suspicion  nor 
disccjntent  in  tlie  passing  thought.  She  was  too  wise  to 
put  human  nature  to  very  severe  tests,  and  much  too  meek 
to  believe  all  who  fell  short  of  perfection  unwortliy  of  her 
esteem. 

"We  will  think  of  tilings  as  they  are,"  she  answered, 
**and  not  dwell  (jn  impossible  chances.  Werttiiou  Ulrike 
and  I  Lottchen,  none  can   believe   more  fervently  than  I, 


iS2  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

that  these  opinions  would  undergo  no  change.  Of  Meta 
thou  art  sure,  my  friend  ;  but  truth  bids  me  say,  that  I 
fear  Heinrich  will  never  yield.  His  mind  is  much  occu- 
pied with  what  the  world  deems  its  equality  of  interests  ; 
and  it  will  be  hard,  indeed,  to  bring  him  to  balance  virtues 
against  gold." 

**  And  is  he  so  wrong  ?  Of  what  excellence  is  Bercht- 
hold  possessed,  that  does  not  find  at  least  its  equal  in 
Meta?" 

"  Happiness  cannot  be  bartered  for,  as  we  would  look 
into  the  value  of  houses  and  lands.  He  is  wrong  ;  and  I 
could  weep — oh,  how  bitterly  I  have  wept ! — that  Heinrich 
Frey  should  be  thus  bent  on  casting  the  happiness  of  that 
artless  and  unpractised  child  on  the  rude  chances  of  so 
narrow  calculations.  But  we  will  still  hope,"  added  Ul- 
rike,  drying  her  tears,  "and  turn  our  thoughts  to  the  more 
cheerful  side." 

'•'■  Thou  saidst  something  of  the  power  of  my  boy  with 
the  Count,  and  of  his  wish  to  do  us  service  ?" 

"  I  know  no  other  means  to  move  Heinrich's  mind. 
Though  kind  and  yielding  to  me  in  all  matters  that  he 
believes  touch  my  state,  he  believes  that  no  woman  is  a  fit 
judge  of  the  world's  interests  :  and,  I  fear  I  should  add, 
that,  from  too  much  familiarity  with  my  poor  means,  he 
places  his  wife  lowest  among  her  sex  in  this  particular ; 
there  is  no  hope,  therefore,  that  any  words  of  mine  can 
change  him.  But  the  Lord  Emich  has  great  hold  on  his 
judgment,  for,  Lottchen,  they  who  prize  the  world's  smiles, 
ever  yield  reverence  to  those  that  chance  to  possess  them 
largely." 

The  widow  dropped  her  eyes,  for,  rarely,  in  their  numer- 
ous and  friendly  conferences,  did  her  friend  allude  to  the 
weaknesses  of  her  husband. 

"And  the  Herr  Emich?"  she  asked,  desirous  to  change 
the  discourse. 

"  The  Count  is  much  disposed  to  aid  us,  as  I  have  said ; 
for  I  have  laid  bare  to  him  our  wishes  this  morning,  and 
have  much  entreated  him  to  do  this  kind  act." 

"  It  is  not  wont  for  thee  to  be  the  solicitor  with  the  Herr 
von  Hartenburg,  Ulrike  !  "  rejoined  Lottchen,  raising  her 
eyes  again  to  the  countenance  of  her  friend,  across  whose 
cheek  there  passed  a  flush  so  faint  as  to  resemble  the 
reflection  of  some  bright  color  of  her  attire,  while  a  still 
less  obvious  smile  dimpled  tlic  skin.     The  looks  that  were 


THE   IlEIDENMAUER.  183 

exclianged  told  of  recollections  that  were  both  joyous  and 
melancholy,  being,  as  it  were,  hasty  but  comprehensive 
glances  into  the  pregnant  volume  of  the  past. 

"  It  was  the  first  request,"  resumed  Ulrike  ;  "  nor  can  I 
say  the  boon  was  absolutely  refused,  though  its  gift  was 
coupled  with  a  condition  impossible  to  grant." 

"  If  it  were  too  much  for  thy  friendship,  it  must  have 
been  hard  indeed  !  " 

Lottchen  spoke  under  the  influence  of  one  of  those  sud- 
den and  keen  impulses  of  disappointment  which  some- 
times make  the  strong  in  principle  momentarily  forget 
their  justice  ;  and  Ulrike  perfectly  understood  the  meaning 
of  her  words.  The  difference  in  their  fortunes,  the  hope- 
lessness of  the  future  with  the  fallen  Lottchen,  and  all  the 
bitterness  of  unmerited  contumely  and  poverty,  the  severe 
judgments  which  a  thoughtless  world  inflicts  on  the  un- 
lucky, passed  quickly  through  the  mind  of  the  latter,  amid 
a  tumidt  of  regrets  and  recollections. 

"  Of  this  thou  shalt  judge  for  thyself,  Lottchen,"  she  an- 
swered calmly;  "and  when  thou  hast  heard  me,  I  require 
thy  unconcealed  reply,  conjuring  thee,  by  that  long  and 
constant  friendship  across  which  no  cloud  has  ever  yet 
passed,  to  lay  bare  thy  soul,  shading  no  thouglit,  nor 
desiring  to  color  even  the  most  latent  of  thy  wishes !  " 

"  Thou  hast  only  to  speak  !  " 

"Hast  thou  never  suspected  that  all  tliis  warlike  prep- 
paration  in  the  hold,  in  the  presence  of  the  men-at-arms  in 
Limburg,  tends  to  no  good  ?" 

"  Both  speak  of  war  ;  but  the  Elector  is  sore  pressed,  and 
it  is  now  long  since  our  Germany  was  at  perfect  peace." 

"  Nay,  thy  surmises  must  have  gone  beyond  these  gen- 
eral causes." 

The  lo(jk  of  surprise  assured  Ulrike  she  was  mistaken. 

"  And  lierclithold  .'*  Has  he  said  naught  of  his  Lord's 
intentions  ?"  continued  tlie  latter. 

"  He  talks  of  battles  and  sieges,  like  most  of  his  years, 
and  he  often  essays  the  armor  of  liis  grandfather,  which 
lumbers  yon  chjset  :  for  thcju  knowest,  tiiough  not  of 
knightly  rank,  we  iiave  liad  soldiers  in  our  race." 

"  Is  lie  not  angered  against  Limburg  ?' 

"  He  is,  and  yet  is  he  not.  There  is  a  little  flame  of  resent- 
ment, I  regret  to  say,  in  all  of  the  Jaegerthal  against  the 
mcmks,  which  is  much  fanned  in  my  son  by  his  foster- 
brother,  Gottlub,  the  cow-herd." 


i84  ^/^^  HEIDENMAUER, 

"This  flame  hath  descended  to  the  hind  from  his  Lord. 
All  that  Gottlob  says,  Emich  hath  more  than  hinted." 

"Nay,  there  was  revelling  in  the  hold,  between  Boni- 
facius  and  the  Count,  no  later  than  the  night  past!  " 

"  Too  much  blindness  to  that  which  passeth  before  thy 
eyes,  dear  Lottchen,  is  a  virtuous  feeling  of  thy  nature. 
The  Court  of  Hartenburg  plots  the  downfall  of  the  Ab- 
bey-altars, and  he  has  this  day  sworn  to  me,  that  if  I  will 
win  Heinrich  to  his  wishes,  no  influence  or  authority  of 
his  shall  be  wanting  to  make  Berchthold  and  Meta  happy." 

Lottchen  heard  this  announcement  with  the  silent 
amazement  with  which  the  unsuspecting  and  meek  first 
hearken  to  the  bold  designs  of  the   ambitious  and  daring. 

"  This  would  be  sacrilege  ! "  she  exclaimed  with  empha- 
sis. 

"  'Twould  be  to  disgrace  the  altars  of  God,  that  our  de- 
sires might  prevail." 

There  was  a  pause.  Lottchen  rose  from  her  chair,  with 
so  little  effort,  that,  to  the  imagination  of  her  excited 
friend,  it  seemed  her  stature  grew  by  supernatural  means. 
Then  raising  her  arms,  the  widowed  mother  poured  out 
her  feelings  in  words. 

"Ulrike,  thou  knowest  my  heart,"  she  said  ;  "thou,  who 
art  the  sister  of  my  love,  if  not  of  my  blood — thou,  from 
whom  no  childish  thought  was  hid,  no  maiden  feeling  con- 
cealed— thou,  to  whom  my  mind  was  but  a  mirror  of  thine 
own,  reflecting  every  wish,  all  impulses,  each  desire — and 
well  dost  thou  know  how  dear  to  me  is  Berchthold  !  Thou 
canst  say,  that  when  Heaven  took  his  father,  the  yearn- 
ings of  a  mother  alone  tempted  me  to  live  ;  that  for  him, 
I  have  borne  adversity  with  contentment,  smiling  when  he 
smiled,  and  rejoicing  when  the  buoyancy  of  youth  made 
him  rejoice  ;  that  as  for  him  I  have  lived,  so  that  for  him 
would  I  die.  Thou  canst  say,  Ulrike,  that  my  own  youth- 
ful and  virgin  affections  were  not  yielded  with  greater  de- 
light and  confidence  than  I  have  witnessed  this  growing 
tenderness  for  Meta  ;  and  yet  do  I  here  declare,  in  the 
presence  of  God  and  his  works,  that  before  a  rebel  wash 
of  mine  shall  aid  Count  Emich  in  this  act,  there  is  no 
earthly  sorrow  I  will  not  welcome,  no  humility  that  I  will 
dread  ! " 

The  pious  Lottchen  sank  into  her  seat,  pale,  trembling, 
and  exhausted  with  an  effort  so  unusual.  Tlie  widowed 
mother  of  Berchthold  had  never  possessed  the  rare  per- 


THE   ITEIDENMAUER.  185 

sonal  attractions  of  her  friend,  and  those  which  were  left 
by  time  had  suffered  cruel  marks  from  sorrow  and  depres- 
sion. Still,  where  she  now  sat,  her  face  beaming  with  the 
inspiration  of  the  reverence  she  felt  for  the  Deity,  and  her 
soul  charged  to  bursting,  Ulrike  thought  she  had  never 
seen  one  more  fair.  Her  own  eyes  brightened  with  de- 
light, for  at  that  moment  of  spiritual  elevation,  neither 
thought  of  any  worldly  interests  ;  and  her  strongest  wish 
was  that  the  Count  of  Hartenburg  could  be  a  witness  of 
this  triumph  of  principle  over  selfishness.  Her  own  re- 
fusal, though  so  similar  in  manner  and  words,  the  natural 
result  of  their  great  unity  of  character,  seemed  destitute 
of  all  merit ;  for  what  was  the  simple  denial  of  one  of  her 
means,  compared  to  this  lofty  readiness  to  encounter  a 
contumely  that  was  already  so  bitterly  understood. 

"  I  expected  no  less,"  answered  Ulrike,  when  emotion 
permitted  speech  :  "  from  thee,  Lottchen,  less  would  have 
been  unworthy,  and  more  could  scarcely  come  !  We  will 
now  speak  of  other  things,  and  trust  to  the  power  of  the 
dread  Being  whose  majesty  is  menaced.  Hast  thou  3'et 
visited  the  Heidenmauer  ?" 

Notwithstanding  the  excited  state  of  her  own  feelings, 
which  were,  however,  gradually  subsiding  to  their  usual 
calm,  Lottchen  took  heed  of  the  change  of  manner  in  her 
friend  ^;s  she  uttered  the  last  words,  and  the  slight  tremor 
of  the  voice  with  which  her  question  was  put. 

"The  kindness  of  the  anchorite  to  Berchthold,  and  his 
great  reputation  for  sanctity,  drew  me  thither.  I  found 
him  of  mild  discourse,  and  a  recluse  of  great  wisdom." 

'•  Didst  note  him  well,  Lottciien  ?  " 

"  As  the  penitent  regards  him  who  offers  consola- 
tiun." 

"  I  would  thou  hadst  been  more  particular  !  " 

The  wid(jw  glanced  towards  her  friend  in  surprise,  but 
immediately  turned  her  eyes,  that  were  still  filled  witli 
tears,  to  her  work.  There  was  a  moment  of  musing  and 
painful  pause,  for  each  felt  the  want  of  their  usual  and  en- 
tire confidence. 

"  Dost  thou  distrust  him,  Ulrike  ?" 

''  N(jt  as  a  penitent,  or  (jne  wilHng  to  atone." 

"  Thou  disapprovest  of  the  deference  he  receives  from 
the  country  round  ?  " 

"Of  that  thou  mayest  judge,  Lottchen,  when  I  tell  thc9 
that  I  suffer  Meta  tu  seek  counsel  from  him." 


1 86  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

Lottchen  showed  greater  surprise,  and  the  silence  was 
longer  than  before,  and  still  more  embarrassing. 

"  It  is  long  since  thou  hast  named  to  me,  good  Lottchen, 
one  that  was  so  much  and  so  warmly  in  our  discourse 
when  we  were  girls  ! " 

The  amazement  of  the  listener  was  sudden  and  marked. 
She  dropped  her  work,  and  clasped  her  hands  together 
with  force. 

''  Dost  thou  believe  this  ? "  burst  from  her  lips, 

Ulrike  bowed  her  head,  apparently  to  examine  the  linen, 
though  really  unconscious  of  the  act,  while  the  hand  she 
extended  trembled  violently. 

"  I  have  sometimes  thought  it,"  she  answered,  scarce 
speaking  above  a  whisper. 

A  merry  laugh,  one  of  those  joyous  impulses  which 
spring  from  the  gayety  of  youth,  was  heard  at  the  door, 
and  Meta  entered,  followed  by  Berchthold  and  the  warder's 
daughter.  At  this  interruption  tiie  friends  arose,  and 
withdrew  to  an  inner  room. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


"  I  pray  thee,  loving  wife  and  gentle  daughter, 

Give  even  way  unto  my  rough  affairs." — King  Henry  IV. 

About  an  hour  after  the  moment  when  Ulrike  and  Lott- 
chen disappeared,  as  described  in  the  close  of  the  last 
chapter,  the  cavalcade  of  Heinrich  Frey  was  seen  moving 
along  the  Jaegerthal,  beneath  the  hill  of  Limbiu'g,  on  its 
way  towards  the  town.  Four  light-armed  followers  of 
Emich  accompanied  the  party,  on  foot,  under  the  pretence 
of  doing  honor  to  the  Burgomaster,  but  in  truth  to  pro- 
tect him  against  insult  from  any  stragglers  belonging  to  the 
men-at-arms  who  lay  in  the  Abbey— a  precaution  that  was 
not  altogether  without  utility,  as  the  reader  will  remember 
that  the  path  ran  within  call  of  the  ecclesiastical  edifices. 

As  the  beasts  ambled  past  the  imposing  towers  and  wide 
roofs,  that  were  visible  even  to  those  who  journeyed  in 
that  deep  glen,  Heinrich's  countenance,  which  had  been 
more  than  usually  thoughtful  ever  since  he  passed  beneath 
the  gate  of  Hartenburg,  grew  graver  ;  and  Meta,  who  rode 
as  usual  at  his  crupper,  heard  him  draw  one  of  those  heavy 


THE  HETDENMAUER.  187 

respirations  which  were  so  many  infallible  signs  that  the 
mental  part  of  her  worthy  parent  was  undergoing  extra- 
ordinary exercises.. 

Nor  did  this  shade  appear  only  on  the  face  of  the  Bur- 
gomaster. A  deep  and  thoughtful  gloom  clouded  the  fine 
features  of  his  wife,  while  the  countenance  of  the  bloom- 
ing daughter  betrayed  that  sort  of  sombre  rest  which  is 
apt  to  succeed  high  excitement ;  a  moment  in  which  the 
mind  appears  employed  in  examining  the  past,  as  if  dis- 
posed to  dissect  the  merits  and  demerits  of  its  recent  en- 
joyments. Of  them  all,  the  male  attendants  alone  ex- 
cepted, old  Use  returned  as  she  had  gone,  self-satisfied, 
unmoved,  and  talkative. 

"Count  Emich  hath  displeased  thee,  father,"  Meta  said, 
quickly,  when  a  respiration,  which  in  one  less  physical 
would  have  been  termed  a  sigh,  gave  her  reason  to  think 
the  Burgomaster's  bosom  was  struggling  with  some  bittei 
vexation  ;  "  else  wouldest  thou  be  more  cheerful,  and  bet- 
ter disposed  to  give  me  thy  parental  counsel,  as  is  thy 
habit  when  we  go  together  on  the  pillion." 

"  The  occasion  shall  not  fail,  girl ;  and  these  Abbey- 
walls  offer  in  good  time  to  prick  my  fatherly  memory. 
But  thou  art  in  error  if  thou  thinkest  that  the  souls  of  the 
Herr  Emich  and  mine  are  not  bound  together  like  those 
of  David  and  Jonathan.  I  know  not  the  man  I  more  love, 
or,  the  Emperor  and  Elector  apart,  as  is  my  duty,  the 
noble  I  so  much  respect." 

"It  is  well  it  is  so,  for  I  greatly  value  these  airy  rides 
among  the  hills,  and  most  of  all  do  I  prize  a  visit  to  the 
cottage  of  Lottchcn  !  " 

Ileinrich  ejaculated  audibly.  Then,  riding  a  short  dis- 
tance in  silence,  he  continued  the  dialogue, 

"  Meta,"  he  said,  "  thou  art  now  getting  to  be  of  a 
womanish  age,  and  it  is  time  to  fortify  thy  young  mind  in 
a  manner  that  it  may  meet  the  cunning  and  malic:c  of  the 
world.  Lite  is  of  great  ])re(ariousness,  es])ecially  to  the 
valiant  and  enterprising,  and  we  live  in  perilous  times.  He 
that  is  in  his  ])rime  to-day,  iionored  and  of  credit,  may  be 
cut  down  to-morrow,  or  even  t(j-night,  to  bring  the  allusion 
more  closely  to  ourselves  ;  and  thine  own  parent  is  as 
mortal  as  any  reptile  that  creeps,  or  even  as  the  most 
worthless  roisterer  of  the  Electorate,  that  wasteth  his  sub- 
stance, the  saving  of  some  gainful  parent,  perhaps,  in  riot' 
ousness !  " 


1 88  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

"  This  is  true,  father,"  rejoined  the  girl,  who,  though  ac- 
customed to  the  homely  morality  of  the  good  citizen, 
never  before  had  heard  the  Burgomaster  deal  with  so  lit- 
tle deference  to  himself,  and  who  spoke  in  a  lowered  tone, 
as  if  the  reflection  of  liis  sudden  humility  produced  a  with 
ering  influence  on  her  own  self-esteem.  "  We  are  nobettei 
than  the  poorest  of  Duerckheim,  and  scarcely  as  good  as 
poor  Lottchen  and  Berchthold." 

A  stronger  ejaculation  betrayed  Heinrich's  displeasure. 

"  Let  these  honest  people  alone,"  he  answered,  "  since 
each  must  be  saved  or  be  damned  on  his  own  account,  let 
Lottchen  and  her  son  take  such  fare  as  Providence  shall 
send  ;  we  have  just  now  serious  matters  of  great  family 
concernment  to  occupy  us.  I  would  reason  with  thee 
gravely,  child,  and  therefore  I  have  need  of  thy  closest  at- 
tention. It  being  conceded  that  I  am  mortal — an  admis- 
sion thou  mayest  be  certain,  Meta,  I  should  not  loosely 
make  or  with(jut  necessity — it  follows,  as  a  consequence, 
that,  sooner  or  later,  I  must  be  taken  from  thee,  w4ien  thou 
wilt  be  left  a  orphan.  Now  this  great  calamity  may  befall 
us  both  much  sooner  than  thou  fanciest ;  for,  I  repeat  it, 
we  live  in  perilous  times,  when  hot-headedness  and  valor 
may  any  day  bring  a  man  to  a  premature  end." 

The  round  arm  of  Meta  clung  more  forcibly  to  the  body 
of  the  Burgomaster,  who  took  the  gentle  pressure  as  so 
much  proof  of  his  child's  concern  in  his  supposititious  end. 

^' Why  tell  me  of  this,  father  ? "  she  exclaimed,  '^when 
thou  knowest  it  only  makes  both  unhappy  !  Though  young, 
it  may  be  my  fate  to  die  first." 

"  That  is  possible,  but  little  probable,"  returned  Hein- 
rich,  with  a  melancholy  air.  "  Giving  nature  a  fair 
chance,  it  will  be  my  turn  to  precede  even  thy  mother, 
since  I  have  ten  good  3'ears  the  start  of  her  ;  and  as  for 
thee,  I  greatly  dread  it  will  be,  one  day,  thy  misfortune 
to  be  left  an  orphan.  God  knows  what  will  be  the  end  of 
all  these  contentions  that  now  beset  us,  and  therefore  I 
hold  it  wise  to  be  prepared.  Whenever  the  evil  day  of 
parting  may  come,  Meta,  thou  wilt  be  left  with  a  sore 
companion  for  one  of  tender  years  and  little  experience." 

''  Father  ! " 

'*  I  mean  money,  child,  which  is  a  blessing,  or  a  curse, 
as  it  proveth.  Were  I  taken  suddenly  away,  many  idle 
and  dissolute  gallants  would  beset  thee,  sv/earing  by  their 
mustaches  and  beards,  that  thou  wert  dearer  to  them  than 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  i8) 

the  air  they  breathe,  when  in  truth  their  sole  desire  would 
be  to  look  into  the  leavings  of  the  departed  Burgomaster. 
There  is  great  difficulty  in  marrying  one  of  thy  neutral 
condition  happily,  for,  while  want  of  birth  closeth  the  door 
of  the  castle  and  the  palace  against  thy  entrance,  ample 
means  give  thee  right  to  look  beyond  the  mere  burgher. 
I  would  fain  have  one  of  good  hopes  for  a  son-in-law,  and 
yet  no  spendthrift." 

**  That  may  not  be  so  easy  of  accomplishment,  good 
father,"  returned  Meta,  laughing,  for  few  girls  of  her  years 
listen  to  conjectures  or  plans  concerning  their  future 
establishment  without  a  nervous  irritability  that  easily 
takes  the  appearance  of  merriment — "to  me  the  world 
seems  divided  into  those  who  get  and  those  who  spend." 

'*Or  into  the  wise  and  foolish.  There  are  three  great 
ingredients  that  commonly  enter  into  all  marriages  of 
girls  in  thy  condition,  and  without  which  there  is  little 
hope  of  happiness,  or  even  of  every-day  respect.  The  first 
is  the  means  of  livelihood,  the  second  is  tlie  consent  and 
blessing  of  the  parents,  and  the  third  is  equality  of  condi- 
tion. 

"  I  had  thouglit  thee  about  to  say  something  of  tastes 
and  inclinations,  father  !  " 

"Idle  conceit,  child,  that  any  whim  may  change.  Look 
at  yonder  peasant,  who  is  trimming  the  Abbey  vines — d(jst 
think  him  less  happy  with  his  cup  of  sour  liquor,  than  if  he 
quaffed  of  the  best  rhenishin  Bonifacius's  cellar  ?  And  yet, 
had  the  hind  his  choice,  doubt  it  not  he  would  be  ready  to 
swear  none  but  the  liquor  of  Ilocklieini  should  wet  lip  of  his! 
The  fellow  miglit  make  himself  miserable,  by  mere  dint  of 
fancy,  were  he  once  \.o  set  his  mind  on  other  fare;  but, 
taking  life  soberly  and  industrioiislv,  who  so  content  as 
he?  Oh!  I  have  often  envied  these  knaves  their  hapjiiness, 
when  vexation  and  losses  have  weighed  upon  mv  spirits  !  " 

''And  wouldest  thou  change  conditions  with  these  vine- 
trimmers,  father  ?  " 

"What  art  thinking  of,  wench?  Is  there  not  surli  a 
thing  as  order  and  })ropiiclv  on  eartli  ? — And  this  brings 
me  to  my  purpose.  There  has  been  (jueslion  to-day  con- 
cerning some  silliness,  not  to  say  presiunption,  on  the  ]")art 
of  young  Berchthold  I  lintcnnayer,  in  wishing  to  couple 
iiis  ])overty  with  thy  means." 

The  head  of  Meta  fell  abashed,  and  \.\\v.  arm,  which 
clasped  the  body  of  her  father,  trembled  perceptibly. 


I90  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

"  I  doubt  that  Berchthold  has  not  thought  of  this,"  she 
answered,  in  a  voice  but  little  above  her  breath,  thoug,h 
her  respiration  was  very  audible. 

"  All  the  better  for  him,  since  such  a  desire  w^ould  be 
just  as  unreasonable  as  it  would  be,  on  thy  part,  to  wish  to 
wed  with  Count  Emich's  heir." 

"  Nay,  that  silly  thought  never  crossed  me  !"  exclaimed 
Meta,  frankly. 

"All  the  better  for  thee,  girl,  since  the  Herr  von  Harten- 
burg  has  had  the  boy  betrothed  these  many  years.  Well, 
as  we  now  understand  each  other  so  well,  leave  me  to  my 
thoughts,  for  weighty  matters  press  on  my  mind." 

So  saying,  Heinricli  composed  himself  to  reflection,  fully 
content  witli  the  parental  lesson  he  had  just  imparted  to 
his  daughter.  But,  in  the  few  and  vague  remarks  that  had 
fallen  from  the  Burgomaster,  Meta  found  suflficient  food 
for  uncomfortable  conjecture  for  the  rest  of  the  ride. 

During  the  short  dialogue  between  Heinrich  and  Meta, 
there  had  also  been  a  discourse  betw^een  Ulrike  and  the 
crone  that  rode  on  her  pillion.  The  propensity  of  old  Use 
to  talk,  and  the  well-tried  indulgence  of  her  mistress,  in- 
duced the  former  to  break  silence  the  moment  they  were 
clear  of  the  hamlet,  and  were  so  far  advanced  beyond  the 
rest  of  the  party  as  to  render  it  safe  to  speak  freely. 

'*  Well,"  exclaimed  the  nurse,  "this  hath  been,  truly,  a 
day!  First  had  we  matins  in  Duerckheim  ;  and  then,  the 
stirring  words  of  Father  Johan,  with  the  Abbey  mass  ;  and 
lastly,  this  high  demeanor  of  the  Count  Emich  !  I  do  not 
think,  good  wife,  that  thou  hast  ever  before  seen  the  Bur- 
gomaster so  preferred  ! " 

"  He  is  ever  in  the  graces  of  the  Herr  von  Hartenburg, 
as  thou  mayest  know.  Use,"  returned  Heinrich's  partner, 
speaking  like  one  that  thought  of  other  things.  "  I  w^ould 
that  they  were  less  friendly  at  this  moment." 

"Nay,  therein  thou  dost  little  justice  to  thy  husband. 
It  is  honorable  to  be  honored  by  the  w^orld's  honored,  and 
thou  shouldest  wish  the  Burgomaster  favor  with  all  such, 
though  it  were  even  with  the  Emperor.  But  thou  w^ert 
ever  particidar,  even  as  a  child  ;  and  I  should  not  deal  too 
harshly  with  a  propensity  that,  coming  as  if  it  were  of  nat- 
ure, is  not  without  reason.  Ah  !  Heaven  is  even  tender 
with  the  good  !  Now  what  a  happy  life  is  thine,  Ulrike  ; 
here  canst  thou  go  forth  before  all  that  were  once  thy 
equals,  a  Burgomaster's  companion, — and  not  a  varlet  be- 


THE   IIEIDENMAUER.  191 

tween  Duerckheim-gatc,  or  indeed  thine  own  gate,  and  the 
hold  of  Ilartenburg  shall  stand  covered  as  thy  steed  shuf- 
fles past.  This  is  it  to  be  fortunate  !  Then  have  we  worthy 
Heinrich  for  a  master,  and  such  another  for  keeping  all  in 
due  respect  is  not  to  be  seen  in  our  town  ;  and  Meta, 
who,  beyond  dispute,  is  botli  the  fairest  and  the  wisest  of 
iier  years  among  all  the  maidens,  and  thyself  scarcely  less 
blooming  than  of  old,  with  such  health  and  contentment 
as  might  even  disarm  widowhood  of  its  sorrows.  Ah  ! 
what  a  life  hath  been  thine  ! " 

Ulrike  seemed  to  arouse  herself  from  a  trance,  as  the 
nurse  thus  chanted  praises  in  honor  of  her  good  fortune, 
and  the  sigh  she  drew,  unconscious  of  its  meaning,  was 
long  and  tremulous. 

"  I  complain  not  of  my  fate,  good  Use." 

"If  thou  didst,  I  would  cause  the  beast  to  halt,  that  I 
might  quickly  descend,  for  nothing  good  could  come  of  a 
journey  so  blasphemous!  No,  gratitude  before  all  other 
virtues,  except  humility  ;  for  humility  leadeth  to  favors, 
and  favor  is  the  lawful  parent  of  gratitude  itself.  I  would 
thou  couldest  have  been  at  my  last  shriving,  Ulrike,  and 
thou  shouldest  have  heard  questions  of  nice  meaning 
closely  reasoned  !  It  happened  that  Father  Johan  was  in 
the  confessional,  and  when  he  had  got  the  little  I  had  to 
say  of  myself  in  the  way  of  acknowledgment,  (for,  tlunigh 
a  great  sinner  like  all  human,  it  is  little  I  can  do  against 
Heaven  at  threescore  and  ten,)  we  came  to  words  concern- 
in^^  doctrine.  The  Monk  maintained  that  the  best  of  us 
might  fall  away,  so  as  to  merit  condemnation  ;  while  I 
W(juld  have  sworn,  had  it  been  seendy  to  swear  in  such  a 
place,  that  the  late  Prior,  than  whom  none  better  ever 
dwelt  in  Limburg,  always  gave  comfortable  assurance  of 
mercy  being  safe,  when  fairly  earned.  I  wonder  not 
that  these  heresies  should  be  abroad,  when  the  professed 
throw  this  discouragement  in  tlie  way  of  the  old  and 
weak!" 

''  Thou  art  too  apt,  good  Use,  to  dwell  on  subtleties, 
when  a  meeker  faith  miglit  better  become  thy  condition." 

"  And  what  is  this  condition,  prithee,  that  thou  namest 
it  as  a  disqualifier  ?  Ami  not  aged — and  can  any  say  bet- 
ter  what  is  sin,  or  what  not?  Didst  tliou  know  what  sin 
was  thyself,  ciiild,  till  I  taught  thee  ?  Am  I  not  mortal, 
and  therefore  frail  — am  I  not  a  woman,  and  therefore  in- 
quiring— and  am   I   nut  aged,  and  iherefore  experienced  ? 


192  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

No,  come  to  me,  an'  thou  wouldest  ^et  an  insight  into  real 
sin — sin  that  hath  much  need  of  grace  ! " 

"  Well,  let  it  be  thus.  But,  Use,  I  would  recall  thy  mind 
to  days  long  past,  and  take  counsel  of  thy  experience  in  a 
matter  that  toucheth  me  nearly." 

"  That  must  be  some  question  of  Meta  ;  naught  else 
could  touch  a  mother  nearly." 

"  Thou  hast  reason  in  part :  'tis  of  Meta,  and  of  us  all,  in 
sooth,  that  I  would  speak.  Thou  hast  now  been  to  the 
Heidenmauer  more  than  once  with  our  girl,  in  quest  of  the 
holy  Anchorite  ? " 

*'  Have  I  not !  Thou  mayest  well  say  more  than  once, 
since  I  have  twice  made  that  weary  journey  ;  and  few  of 
my  years  would  have  come  off  so  lightly  from  the  fatigue." 

"And  what  is  said  in  the  country  round  of  the  holy 
man — of  his  origin  and  history,  I  mean  ?  " 

"  Much  is  said  ;  and  much  that  is  good  and  edifying  is 
said.  It  is  thought  tliat  one  blessing  of  his  is  as  good- as 
two  from  the  Abbey  ;  for  of  him  no  harm  is  known, 
whereas  there  is  much  reputed  of  Limburg  that  had  better 
not  be  true.  For  myself,  Ulrike — and  I  am  one  that  docs 
not  treat  these  matters  lightly — I  should  go  away  with 
more  surety  of  favor  with  a  single  touch  of  the  Hermit's 
hand,  than  if  honored  with  blows  from  all  of  Limburg. 
But,  from  the  account  I  except  Father  Arnolph,  who  if  he 
be  not  an  anchorite,  well  deserves,  from  his  virtues,  to  be 
one.  Oh  !  that  is  a  man,  were  justice  done  him,  who  ought 
never  to  taste  other  liquor  than  water  of  the  spring,  or 
other  food  than  bread  hard  as  a  rock  ? " 

"  And  hast  thou  seen  him  of  the  Heidenmaure  ? " 

"It  hath  been  sufficient  for  me  to  be  in  sight  of  his  hut. 
I  am  none  of  those  that  cannot  have  a  good  thing  in  pos- 
session, without  using  it  up.  I  have  never  laid  eyes  on 
the  holy  man,  for  that  is  a  virtue  I  keep  in  store  against 
some  of  the  sore  evils  that  beset  all  in  age.  Tetany  of  the 
autumn  plagues  come  upon  me,  and  thou  shalt  see  in 
what  manner  I  will  visit  him  !  " 

"  Use,  thou  mayest  yet  remember  the  days  of  my  in- 
fancy, and  hast  some  knowledge  of  most  of  the  events  of 
Duerckheim  for  these  many,  many  years?" 

"I  know  not  what  thou  callest  infancy,  but  if  it  mean 
the  first  cry  thy  feeble  voice  ever  made,  or  the  first  glance 
of  thy  twinkling  eyes,  I  remember  both  an'  it  were  yester- 
day's vespers." 


THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


193 


"And  thou  hast  not  forgotten  the  youths  and  maidens 
that  then  sported  at  our  merry-makings,  and  were  gay  in 
their  time,  as  these  we  see  to-day  ?" 

"  Call  you  these  gay  ?  These  are  hired  mourners  com- 
pared to  those  of  my  youth.  You  that  have  been  born  in 
the  last  fifty  years  know  little  of  mirth  and  gayety.  If 
thou  wouldest  learn " 

"  Of  this  we  can  speak  at  another  season.  But  since 
thy  memory  remains  so  clear,  thou  canst  not  have  forgot- 
ten the  young  Herr  von  Ritterstein  ;  he  that  was  well  re- 
ceived of  old  within  my  father's  doors  ? " 

Ulrike  spoke  in  a  low  voice,  but  the  easy  movement  of 
the  beast  they  rode  suffered  every  word  to  reach  the  ear 
of  her  companion. 

"  Do  I  remember  Odo  von  Ritterstein  ? "  exclaimed  the 
crone.     "Am  I  a  heathen,  to  forget  him  or  his  crime?" 

"  Poor  Odo  !  Bitterly  hath  he  repented  that  transgres- 
sion in  banishment,  as  I  have  heard.  We  may  hope  that 
his  offence  is  forgiven  !  " 

"  Of  whom — of  Heaven  ?  Never,  as  thou  livest,  Ulrike, 
can  such  a  crime  be  pardoned.  It  will  be  twenty  years 
this  night  since  he  did  that  deed,  as  all  in  the  Jaegerthal 
well  know  ;  for  there  have  been  masses  and  exorcisms 
without  number  said  in  the  Abbey-chapel  on  his  account. 
What  dost  take  Heaven  to  be,  that  it  can  forget  an  offence 
like  that !  " 

**  It  was  a  dreadful  sin  !  "  answered  Ulrike,  shuddering, 
for  though  she  betrayed  a  desire  to  exonerate  the  sup- 
posed penitent,  horror  at  his  oifence  was  evidently  upper- 
most in  her  mind. 

"  It  was  blasphemy  to  God,  and  an  outrage  to  man. 
Let  him  look  to  it,  I  say,  for  his  soul  is  in  cruel  jeopardy  !  " 

A  heavy  sigh  was  the  answer  of  tlie  Burgomaster's  wife. 

"  I  knew  young  Odo  von  Ritterstein  well,"  continued  the 
crone,  "  and,  tiiough  not  ill  gifted  as  to  outward  appear- 
ance, and  of  most  seductive  discourse  to  all  who  would 
listen  to  a  honeyed  tongue,  I  can  boast  of  having  read  his 
inmost  nature  at  (mu*  very  first  acquaintance." 

"Thou  understood  a  fearful  mystery  !  "  half  whispered 
Ulrike. 

"  It  was  no  mystery  to  one  of  my  years  and  experience. 
What  is  a  comely  face,  and  a  noble  birth,  and  a  jaunting 
air,  and  a  bold  eye,  to  your  woman  that  hath  had  her  op- 
portunities, and  who  hath  lived  long  ?     Nay,  nay — young 

13 


194  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

Odo's  soul  was  read  by  me,  as  your  mass-saying  priest 
readeth  his  missal ;  that  is,  with  half  a  glance." 

"  It  is  surprising  that  one  of  thy  station  should  have  so 
quickly  and  so  well  understood  him  that  most  have  found 
inexplicable.  Thou  knowest  he  was  long  in  favor  with 
my  parents  ? " 

"Aye,  and  with  thee,  Ulrike  ;  and  this  proves  the  great 
difference  of  judgments.  But  not  a  single  day,  nay,  not 
even  an  hour,  was  I  mistaken  in  his  character.  What  was 
his  name  to  me  ?  They  say  he  had  crusaders  among  his 
ancestors,  and  that  nobles  of  his  lineage  bore  the  sign  of 
the  cross,  under  a  hot  sun  and  in  a  far  land,  in  honor  of 
God  ;  but  none  of  this  would  I  hear.  I  saw  the  man  with 
mine  own  eyes,  and  with  mine  own  judgment  did  I  judge.*' 

"Thou  sawest  one.  Use,  of  no  displeasing  mien." 

"  So  thought  the  young  and  light-minded.  I  deny  not 
his  appearance  ;  'twas  according  to  Heaven's  pleasure — 
nor  do  I  say  aught  against  his  readiness  in  exercises,  or 
any  other  esteemed  and  knightly  qualities,  for  I  am  not 
one  to  backbite  a  fallen  enemy.  But  he  had  a  way  ! 
Now  when  he  came  first  to  visit  thy  father,  here  did  he 
enter  the  presence  of  the  honest  Burgomaster  an'  he  had 
been  the  Elector,  instead  of  a  mere  Baron  ;  and  thougii 
there  I  stood,  waiting  to  do  him  reverence  as  became  his 
rank,  and  my  breeding,  nay,  doing  him  reverence,  and  that 
oft  repeated,  not  a  look  of  grace,  nor  a  thank,  nor  a  smile  of 
condescension  did  I  get,  for  my  pains.  His  eyes  could 
not  stoop  to  the  old  nurse,  but  were  fastened  on  the  face 
of  the  young  beauty,  besides  many  other  levities. — Oh  !  I 
quickly  accounted  him  for  what  he  was ! " 

"  He  was  of  contradictory  qualities." 

"Worse  than  that — a  hundred-fold  worse.  I  can  count 
you  up  his  graces  in  brief  speech — First  was  he  a  roisterer, 
that  never  missed  occasion  to  enter  into  all  debaucheries 
with  the  very  monks  he  dishonored " 

"  Nay,  that  I  did  never  hear !  " 

"  Is  it  reasonable  to  suppose  otherwise,  after  what  we 
know  of  a  certainty?  Give  me  but  one  bold  vice  in 
a  man,  and  I  will  quickly  show  you  all  its  companions." 

"And  is  this  true?  Ought  we  not  rather  to  think  that 
most  yield  in  their  weakest  points,  while  they  may  con- 
tinue to  resist  in  the  strongest? — That  there  are  faults, 
which,  inviting  the  world's  condemnation,  produce  indif- 
ference to  the  world's  opinion,  may  be  true  ;  but  I  hope 


I 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  195 

few  arc  so  evil  as  not  to  retain  some  portion  of  their  good 
qualities." 

"  Hadst  thou  ever  seen  a  siege,  good  wife,  thou  wouldst 
not  say  this.  Here  is  your  enemy,  without  the  ditch, 
shouting  and  screaming,  and  doing  his  worst  to  alarm 
the  garrison. — I  say  now  but  what  I  have  thrice  seen 
here,  in  our  very  Duerckheim — but  so  long  as  tlie  breach 
is  not  made,  or  the  ladders  placed,  each  goes  his  way  in 
the  streets,  quietly  and  unharmed.  But  let  the  enemy 
once  enter,  though  it  be  but  by  a  window,  or  down  a 
chimney,  open  fly  the  gates,  and  in  pour  the  columns, 
horsemen  and  footmen,  till  not  a  house  escapes  rifling,  nor 
a  sanctuary  violation.  Now  this  blasphemy  of  Herr  Odo 
was  mucli  as  if  a  curtain  of  wall  had  fallen  at  once, 
letting  in  whole  battalions  and  squadrons  of  vices  in  com- 
pany." 

"  That  the  act  was  fearful,  is  as  certain  as  that  it  was 
heavily  punislied  ;  but  still  may  it  have  been  the  fault  of 
momentary  folly,  or  of  provoked  resentment." 

"  It  was  blasphemy,  and  as  such  it  is  punished ;  why 
then  say  more  in  its  defence  ?  Here  cometh  Meta  within 
call,  and  it  were  well  she  should  not  hear  her  mother 
justify  sin.  Remember  thou  art  a  mother,  and  bear  thy 
charge  with  prudence." 

As  the  horse  ridden  by  the  Burgomaster  and  his  daugh- 
ter drew  near,  Ulrike  ceased  speaking,  with  the  patient 
forbearance  tliat  distinguislicd  her  intercourse  with  the 
old  woman.  And  during  the  rest  of  the  ride,  little  more 
passed  among  the  equestrians.  On  reacliing  his  own 
ab(xle,  however,  Heinrich  hastened  to  hold  a  secret 
council  with  the  chief  men  of  tlie  place. 

The  remainder  of  the  day  passed  as  Avas  wont  in  the 
towns  of  that  age.  The  archers  practised  witli  their  bows, 
without  tlie  walls  ;  the  more  trained  arquebusiers  were  ex- 
ercised with  their  unwieldy  but  comparatively  dangerous 
weapons  ;  the  youthfid  of  the  two  sexes  danced,  while  tlie 
wine-houses  were  thronged  with  artisans,  who  quaflfed, 
after  the  toil  of  the  week,  the  cheap  and  healthful  liquor 
of  the  Palatinate,  in  a  heavy  animal  enjoyment.  Here  and 
there  a  m(jnk  of  the  neighboring  Abbey  appeared  in  the 
streets,  though  it  was  with  an  air  less  authoritative  and 
assured,  than  before  the  open  jjromulgation  of  the  opin- 
ions of  Luther  had  brought  into  (luestion  so  many  of  the 
practices  of  the  prevailing  Church. 


196  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

"  Thus  I  renounce  the  world  and  worldly  things." — Rogers. 

It  will  be  remembered,  that  the  time  of  this  tale  was  in 
the  winning  month  of  June.  When  the  sun  had  fallen 
beneath  those  vast  and  fertile  plains  of  the  west,  among 
which  the  Rhine  winds  its  way,  a  swift  and  turbid,  though 
noble  current,  that,  like  some  bold  mountaineer,  has  made 
a  descent  from  the  passes  of  Switzerland,  to  gather  tribute 
from  every  valley  on  his  passage,  there  remained  in  the  air 
the  bland  and  seductive  warmth  of  the  season. — Still  the 
evening  was  not  a  calm  moonlight  night,  like  those  which 
grace  a  more  alluring  climate  ;  but  there  reigned  in  its 
quiet,  a  character  of  sombre  repose  that  constantly  remind- 
ed all  of  the  hour.  It  seemed  a  moment  more  adapted  to 
rest  than  to  indulgence.  The  simple  habits  of  Duerckheim 
caused  its  burghers  to  shut  their  doors  early,  and,  as  usual, 
the  gates  of  the  town  were  closed  when  the  bells  sounded 
the  stroke  of  eight.  The  peasants  of  the  Jaegerthal  had 
not  even  waited  so  long,  before  they  sought  their  beds. 

It  was,  however,  near  ten,  when  a  private  door  in  the 
dwelling  of  Heinrich  Frey  opened,  and  a  party  of  three 
individuals  issued  into  the  street.  All  were  so  closely  muf- 
fled as  effectually  to  conceal  their  persons.  The  leader,  a 
man,  paused  to  see  that  the  way  was  clear,  and  then,  beck- 
oning to  his  companions,  who  were  of  the  other  sex,  to 
follow,  he  pursued  his  way  within  the  shadows  thrown  from 
the  houses.  It  was  hot  long  ere  they  all  reached  the  gate 
of  the  towm,  which  opened  to  the  hill  of  the  Ileidenmauer. 

There  was  a  stronger  watch  afoot  that  night,  than  was 
usual  in  Duerckheim,  though  the  city,  and  especially  at  a 
moment  when  armies  ravaged  the  Palatinate,  was  never 
left  without  a  proper  guard.  A  few  armed  men  paced  the 
street,  at  the  point  where  it  terminated  with  the  defences, 
and  a  sentinel  was  visible  on  the  superior  wall. 

"Who  Cometh  ?"  demanded  an  arquebusier. 

The  muffled  man  approached,  and  spoke  to  the  leader  of 
the  guard  in  a  low  voice.  It  would  seem  that  he  spoke 
him  fair  ;  for  no  sooner  did  he  utter  the  little  he  had  to 
say,  than  a  bustle  among  the  citizens  announced  an  eager 
desire  to  do  his  pleasure.     The  keys  were  produced,  and  a 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  197 

way  made  for  the  exit  of  the  party.  But  the  man  went  no 
farther.  Havini^^  procured  the  egress  of  his  companions, 
he  returned  int<)  the  town,  stopping,  however,  to  liold  dis- 
course with  those  on  watch,  before  he  disappeared. 

When  without  the  gate,  the  females  began  to  ascend. 
The  way  was  difficult,  for  it  lay  among  terraces  and  vine- 
yards, by  means  of  winding  narrow  foot-paths,  and,  as  it 
appeared,  the  limbs  of  those  who  were  now  obliged  to 
thread  them,  felt  all  the  difficulties  of  the  steep  acclivity. 
At  length,  though  not  without  often  stopping  to  breathe 
and  rest,  they  reached  the  fallen  pile  of  the  ancient  wall  of 
the  camp.  Here  both  seated  themselves,  to  recover  their 
strength,  in  profound  silence.  They  had  mounted  by 
means  of  a  path  that  conducted  them  towards  that  ex- 
tremity of  the  mountain  which  overlooked  the  valley  of 
our  tale. 

The  skvwas  covered  with  fleecy  clouds,  that  dimmicd  the 
light  of  the  moon  so  as  to  render  objects  beneath  uncertain 
and  dull ;  though  occasionally  the  mild  orb  seemed  to  sail 
into  a  little  field  of  blue,  shedding  all  its  light  below.  But 
these  momentary  illuminations  were  too  fitful  to  permit 
the  eye  to  become  accustomed  to  the  change,  and  ere  any 
saw  distinctly,  the  driving  vapor  w^ould  again  intercept  the 
rays.  To  this  melancholy  character  of  the  hour,  must  be 
added  the  plaintive  sound  of  a  night-breeze,  which  audibly 
rustled  the  cedars. 

A  heavy  respiration  from  the  one  of  the  two  who,  by  her 
air  and  attire,  was  evidently  the  superior,  was  taken  by  the 
other  as  a  permission  to  speak. 

"  Well,  thrice  in  my  life  have  I  mounted  this  hill,  at 
night !  "  she  said  :  "  and  few  of  my  years  could  do  the 
deed,  by  the  light  of  the  sun " 

*'  Hist,  Use  !  Hearest  thou  naught  uncommon  ?" 

**  Naught  but  mine  own  voice,  which,  for  so  mute  a  per- 
sofi,  is,  in  sooth,  of  little  wont " 

*'  Truly,  there  is  other  sound  !  Come  hither  to  the  ruin  ; 
I  fear  we  are  abroad  at  a  perilous  moment !  " 

As  both  arose,  there  was  but  a  minute  before  their  per- 
sons were  concealed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  render  it  little 
probable  that  any  but  a  very  curious  eye  would  remark 
their  presence.  It  was  evident  that  many  footsteps  were 
approaching,  and  nearly  in  their  direction.  Use  trembled, 
but  her  ccjmpanion,  more  self-possessed,  and  better  sup- 
ported by  her  reason,  was  as  much   or  even   more  excited 


T9S  THE   HRIDENMAUER. 

by  curiosity  than  by  fear.  The  ruined  hut,  in  which  they 
stood,  was  within  the  cover  of  the  cedars,  where  a  dull  light 
alone  penetrated.  By  means  of  this  light,  however,  a  biuid 
of  men  was  seen  moving  across  the  camp.  They  came  in 
pairs,  and  their  march  was  swift  and  nearly  noiseless.  The 
glittering  of  a  morion,  as  it  passed  beneath  some  opening 
in  the  trees,  and  the  reclining  arquebuses,  no  less  than 
their  order,  showed  them  to  be  warriors. 

The  line  Avas  long,  extending  to  some  hundreds  of  men. 
They  came,  in  this  swift  and  silent  manner,  from  the  di- 
rection of  the  Jaegerthal,  and  passed  away,  among  the 
melancholy  cedars,  in  that  of  the  plain  of  the  Rhine. 

When  the  last  of  this  long  and  ghost-like  band  had  dis- 
appeared. Use  appeared  to  revive. 

''  In  very  sooth,"  she  said,  *'  they  seem  to  be  men  !  Do 
they,  too,  come  to  visit  the  Holy  Hermit  ?" 

"  Believe  it  not.  They  have  gone  down  by  the  rear  of 
Duerckheim,  and  will  soon  be  beyond  our  wishes,  or  our 
fears." 

"  Lady  !  Of  what  origin  are  they — and  on  what  errand 
do  they  come  ?" 

'  This  exclamation  of  old  Use  sufficiently  betrayed  the 
nature  of  her  own  doubts,  though  the  firmness  of  her  com- 
panion's manner  proved  that,  now  the  armed  men  were 
gone,  she  no  longer  felt  distrust. 

"  This  may,  or  may  not,  be  a  happy  omen,"  she  answered, 
musingly.  "  There  was  a  goodly  number,  and  warriors,  too, 
of  fair  appearance  !  " 

''  Thrice  have  I  visited  this  camp  at  night,  and  never 
before  has  it  been  mv  fate  to  view  its  tenants  !  Thinkest 
thou  they  were  Romans — or  are  thev  the  followers  of  the 
Hun?" 

"  They  were  living  men — but  let  us  not  forget  our  er- 
rand." 

Without  permitting  further  discourse,  the  superior  of 
the  two  then  took  the  way  towards  the  hut  of  the  Hermit. 
At  first  her  footstep  was  timid  and  unassured  ;  for,  strength- 
ened as  she  was  by  reflection  and  knowledge,  the  sudden 
and  sprite-like  passage  of  such  aline  of  warriors  across  the 
deserted  camp  was  indeed  likely  to  affect  the  confidence  of 
one  even  more  bold. 

"Rest  thy  old  limbs  on  this  bit  of  fallen  wall,  good 
nurse,"  said  the  muffled  female,  "while  I  go  within.  Thou 
wilt  await  mc  here." 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  199 

"Go,  of  Heaven's  mercy  !  and  speak  the  holy  Anchorite 
fair.  Take  what  thou  canst  of  comfort  and  peace  for  thine 
own  soul,  anjd  if  there  should  be  a  blessing,  or  a  relic  more 
than  thou  nccdest,  remember  her  who  fondled  thy  infancy, 
and  who,  I  may  say,  and  say  it  I  do  with  pride,  made  thee 
the  woman  of  virtue  and  merit  thou  art." 

"  God  be  with  thee — and  witli  me  ! "  murmured  the 
female,  as  she  moved  slowly  away. 

The  visitor  of  the  Anchorite  hesitated  at  the  door  of  his 
hut.  Encouraged  bv  sounds  within,  and  certain  that  the 
lioly  man  was  still  afoot,  by  the  strong  light  that  shone 
through  the  fissures  of  the  wall,  she  at  length  summoned 
resolution  to  knock. 

"  Enter,  of  God's  will!"  returned  a  voice  from  within. 

The  door  opened,  and  the  female  stood  confronted  to  the 
person  of  the  Ancliorite.  The  cloak  and  hood  both  fell 
from  the  female's  head,  as  by  an  involuntary  weakness  of 
her  hands— and  each  stood  gazing  long,  wistfully,  and  per- 
haps in  doubt,  at  the  other.  The  female,  more  prepared 
for  the  interview,  was  the  first  to  speak. 

"  Odo  !  "  she  said,  with  melancholy  emphasis. 

"  Ulrike!" 

Eye  then  studied  eye,  in  that  eager  and  painful  gaze 
with  which  the  memory  traces  the  changes  that  time  and 
the  passions  produce  in  the  human  face.  In  that  of  Ulrike, 
however,  there  was  little  to  be  noted  but  the  development 
of  more  mature  womanliood,  with  such  a  shadowing  of 
tliought  as  deeper  refiection  and  diminished  hopes  are  apt 
to  bring;  but,  had  she  not  been  apprised  of  the  person  of 
him  she  sought,  and  had  her  memory  not  retained  so  vivid 
an  impression  of  the  past,  it  is  probable  that  the  wife  of 
Heinrich  Frey  might  not  have  recognized  the  features  of 
the  gayest  and  handsomest  cavalier  of  tlie  Palatinate,  in 
the  sunken  but  still  glowing  eye,  the  grizzletl  beard,  and 
the  worn  though  bold  lineaments  of  the  Anchorite. 

"Thou  Odo,  and  a  penitent!"  Ulrike  added. 

"  One  of  a  stricken  soul.  Thou  seest  me,  sworn  to  mor- 
tifications and  sorrow." 

"  If  repentance  come  at  all,  let  it  be  welcome.  Thou 
leanest  on  a  rock,  and  thy  soul  will  be  upheld." 

The  recluse  made  a  vngue  gesture,  which  his  companion 
believed  to  be  the  usual  sign  of  the  cross.  She  meekly  imi- 
tated the  symb(»l,  and.  bowing  her  head,  repeated  an  are. 
In  all  great  changes  in  religicms  and  politics,  the  spirit  of 


200  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

party  attaches  importance  to  immaterial  things,  which,  by 
practice  and  convention,  come  to  be  considered  as  the  evi- 
dences of  opinion.  Tims  it  is,  when  revohitions  are  sudden 
and  violent,  that  so  many  mistake  their  symbols  for  their 
substance,  and  men  cast  tlieir  lives  on  the  hazards  of  battle, 
in  order  to  support  an  empty  name,  a  particular  disposi- 
tion of  colors  in  an  ensign,  or  some  idle  significations  of 
terms  that  were  never  well  explained,  long  after  the  real 
merits  of  the  controversy  have  been  lost  by  the  cupidity  and 
falsehood  of  those  intrusted  with  the  public  welfare  ;  and 
thus  it  is,  that  here,  v/here  all  change  has  been  gradual  and 
certain,  that  the  neglect  of  these  trifles  has  subjected  the 
country  to  the  imputation  of  inconsistency,  because,  in  at- 
tending so  much  to  the  substance  of  their  work,  it  has  over- 
looked so  many  of  those  outward  signs,  which,  by  being  the 
instruments  of  excitement  in  other  regions,  obtain  a  value 
that  has  no  influence  among  ourselves.  The  Reformation 
made  early  and  rude  inroads  upon  the  formula  of  the  Rom- 
ish church.  The  cross  ceased  to  be  a  sign  in  favor  with 
the  Protestant  ;  and,  after  three  centuries,  it  is  just  begin- 
ning to  be  admitted  that  this  sacred  symbol  is  a  more  fit- 
ting ornament  of  one  of  "those  silent  fingers  pointing  to 
the  skies,"  which  so  touchingly  adorn  our  churches,  than 
the  representation  of  a  barn-yard  fowl !  Had  Ulrike  been 
more  critical  in  this  sort  of  distinctions,  or  had  her  mind 
been  less  occupied  with  her  own  sad  reflections,  she  might 
have  thought  the  movement  of  the  Hermit's  hand,  when  he 
made  the  sign  alluded  to,  had  such  a  manner  of  indecision 
and  doubt,  as  equally  denotes  one  new  in  practices  of  this 
nature,  or  one  about  to  abandon  any  long-established  ritual. 
As  it  was,  however,  she  noted  nothing  extraordinary,  but 
silently  took  the  seat  to  which  the  Anchorite  pointed,  while 
he  placed  himself  on  another. 

The  earnest,  wistful,  and  half  mournful  look  of  each 
was  renewed.  They  sat  apart,  with  the  torch  throwing  its 
light  fully  upon  both. 

"  Grief  hath  borne  heavily  upon  thee,  Odo,"  said  Ulrike. 
"Thou  art  much  changed  !  " 

"  And  innocence  and  happiness  have  dealt  tenderly  by 
thee  !     Thou  hast  well  merited  this  favor,  Ulrike." 

"  Art  thou  long  of  this  manner  of  life — or  touch  I  on  a 
subject  that  may  not  be  treated  ?" 

''  I  know  not  that  I  may  refuse  to  give  the  world  the  profit 
of  my  lesson — much  less  can  I  pretend  to  mystery  with  thee." 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  201 

*'I  would  gladly  give  thee  consolation.  Thou  knowest 
there  is  great  comfort  in  sympathy." 

''Tliy  pity  is  next  to  tlie  love  of  angels — but  why  speak 
of  this  ?  Tliou  art  in  the  hut  of  a  hermit  condemned,  of 
his  own  conscience,  to  privation  and  penitence.  Goto  thy 
happy  home,  and  leave  me  to  the  solemn  duty  which  I 
have  allotted  to  be  done  this  night." 

As  he  spoke,  the  Anchorite  folded  his  head  in  a  mantle 
of  coarse  cloth,  for  he  was  evidently  clad  to  go  abroad, 
and  he  groaned. 

"Nay,  Odo,  I  quit  thee  not,  in  this  humor  of  thy  mind. 
The  sight  of  me  hath  added  to  thy  grief,  and  it  were  un- 
charitable— more,  it  were  unkind,  to  leave  thee  thus." 

"  What  wouldst  thou,  Ulrike  ?  " 

"  Disburthen  thy  soul;  this  life  of  seclusion  hath  heaped 
a  load  too  heavy  on  thy  thoughts.  Where  liast  thou  passed 
the  years  of  thy  prime,  Odo — what  hath  brought  thee  to 
this  condition  of  bitterness?" 

"  Hast  thou  still  so  much  of  womanly  mercy,  as  to  feel 
an  interest  in  the  fate  of  an  outcast?" 

Tlie  paleness  of  Ulrike's  cheek  was  succeeded  by  a  mild 
glow.  It  was  no  sign  of  tumultuous  feeling,  but  a  genile 
proof  that  a  heart  like  hers  never  lost  the  affinities  it  had 
once  fondly  and  warmly  cherished. 

"  Can  I  forget  the  past  ?"  she  answered.  "  Wert  thou  not 
the  friend  of  my  youth — nay,  wert  thou  not  my  betrothed  ?" 

"And  dost  thc)u  acknowledge  those  long-cherished  ties? 
Oh  Ulrike  !  with  what  maddened  folly  did  I  throw  away  a 
jewel  beyond  price  !  But  listen  and  thou  shalt  know  in 
what  manner  God  hath  avenged  himself  and  thee." 

The  Burgomaster's  wife,  though  secretly  much  agitated, 
sat  patiently  awaiting,  wliile  tlie  Hermit  seemed  preparing 
his  mind  for  the  revelation  he  was  about  to  make. 

"Thou  hast  no  need  to  hear  aught  of  my  youth,"  he 
at  length  commenced.  "  Thou  well  knowest  that,  an  or- 
phan from  childhood,  of  no  mean  estate,  and  of  noble 
birth,  I  entered  on  life  exposed  to  all  the  hazards  that  beset 
the  young  and  thoughtless.  I  had  most  of  the  generous 
impulses  of  one  devoid  of  care,  and  a  heart  that  was  not 
needlessly  shut  against  sympathy  with  the  injured,  and,  I 
think,  I  may  say  one  that  was  not  closed  against  compas- 
sion  " 

"  Thou  dost  not  justice  to  thyself,  Odo!  Say  that  thy 
hand  was  open,  and  thy  heart  filled  with  gentleness." 


202  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

The  Anchorite,  humbled  as  he  was  by  penitence  and 
self-devotion,  did  not  hear  this  opinion,  uttered  by  lips  so 
gentle  and  so  true,  without  a  change  of  features.  His  eye 
lighted,  and  for  a  moment  it  gazed  towards  his  companion 
with  some  of  its  former  bright,  youthful  expression.  But 
the  change  escaped  Ulrike,  who  was  occupied  with  the 
generous  impidse  that  caused  her,  thus  involuntarily,  to 
vindicate  the  Hermit  to  himself. 

"  It  miglit  have  been  so,"  the  latter  resumed,  coldly,  after 
a  moment  of  thought  ;  "  but  in  youth,  unless  watched  and 
wisely  directed,  our  best  qualities  may  become  instruments 
of  our  fall.  I  was  of  violent  passions  above  all ;  miserable 
traces  in  that  unerring  index,  the  countenance,  prove  how 
violent ! " 

Ulrike  had  no  answer  to  this  remark  ;  for  she  had  felt 
how  easy  it  is  for  the  strong  of  character  to  attach  the 
mild,  and  how  common  it  is  for  the  human  heart  to  set 
value  on  qualities  that  serve  to  throw  its  own  into 
relief. 

"  When  I  knew  thee,  Ulrike,  the  influence  of  thy  gen- 
tleness, the  interest  thou  gavest  me  reason  to  believe  thou 
felt  in  my  happiness,  and  the  reverence  wdiich  the  young 
of  our  sex  so  readily  pay  to  innocence,  and  beauty,  and 
faith,  in  thine,  served  to  tame  the  lion  of  my  reckless  tem- 
per, and  to  bring  me,  for  a  time,  in  subjection  to  thy  gen- 
tleness." 

His  companion  looked  grateful  for  his  praise,  but  she 
remained  silent. 

"  The  tie  between  the  young  and  guiltless  is  one  of  nat- 
ure's holiest  mysteries  !  I  loved  thee,  Ulrike,  purely,  and 
in  perfect  faith  !  The  reverence  I  bear,  here  in  my  soli- 
tude and  penance,  to  these  signs  of  sacred  character,  is  not 
deeper,  less  tinctured  w^ith  human  passion,  or  more  fer- 
vent, than  the  respect  I  felt  for  thy  virgin  innocence  !  " 

Ulrike  trembled,  but  it  was  like  the  leaf  quivering  at 
the  passage  of  a  breath  of  air. 

"  For  this  I  gave  thee  credit,  Odo,"  she  whispered,  evi- 
dently afraid  to  trust  her  voice. 

"  Thou  didst  me  justice.  When  thy  parents  consented 
to  our  union,  I  looked  forw^ard  to  the  marriage  with  blessed 
hope  ;  for  young  though  I  was,  I  so  well  understood  myself, 
as  to  foresee  that  some  spirit,  persuasive,  good,  and  yet 
firm  as  thine,  was  necessary  to  tame  me.  Woman  winds 
herself  about  the  heart  of  man  by  her  tenderness,  nay,  by 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  203 

her  very  dependence,  in  a  manner  to  effect  that  which  his 
pride  would  refuse  to  a  power  more  evident." 

"  And  couldst  tliou  feel  all  this  ?" 

"  Ulrike,  I  felt  more,  was  convinced  of  more,  and 
dreaded  more,  tlian  I  ever  dared  avow.  But  all  feelings  of 
pride  arc  now  past.  Wiiat  further  shall  I  say?  Thou  know- 
estthe  manner  in  which  bold  spirits  began  to  assail  the  mys- 
teries and  dogmas  of  the  venerable  Church  that  has  so  long 
governed  Christendom,  and  that  some  were  so  hardy  as  to 
anticipate  the  reasonings  and  changes  of  more  prudent 
heads,  by  rash  acts.  'Tis  ever  thus  with  young  and  heated 
reformers  of  abuses.  Seeing  naught  but  the  wrong,  they 
forget  the  means  by  which  it  has  been  produced,  and  over- 
look the  sufficient  causes  which  may  mitigate,  if  they  do 
not  justify  the  evil." 

*'  And  this  unhappily  was  thy  temper  ?  " 

^'  I  deny  it  not.  Young,  and  without  knowledge  of  the 
various  causes  that  temper  every  theory  when  reduced  to 
practice,  I  looked  eagerly  to  the  end  alone." 

Though  Ulrike  longed  to  extort  some  apology  from  the 
penitent  for  his  own  failings,  she  continued  silent.  After 
minutes  of  thought,  the  discourse  at  length  proceeded. 

*'  There  were  some  among  thy  friends,  Odo,  who  be- 
lieved the  outrage  less  than  the  convent  reported  ? " 

"They  trusted  too  much  to  their  wishes,"  said  the  An- 
chorite, in  a  subdued  tone.  *'  It  is  most  true,  that,  heated 
with  wine,  and  maddened  with  anger,  I  did  violence  in  pres- 
ence of  my  armed  followers,  to  those  sacred  elements 
which  Catholics  so  reverence.  In  a  moment  of  inebriated 
frenzy,  I  believed  tlie  hoarse  applause  of  drunken  para- 
sites, and  the  confusion  of  a  priest,  of  more  account  than 
the  just  anger  of  God!  I  impiously  trampled  on  the  Host, 
and  sorely  hath  God  since  trampled  on  my  spirit  !  " 

"Poor  Odo  ! — That  wicked  act  changed  the  course  of 
both  our  lives  !  and  dost  thou  now  adore  that  Being  to 
whom  this  great  indignity  was  offered — Hast  thy  mind  re- 
turned to  the  faith  of  thy  youth  ?  " 

"'Tis  not  necessary,  in  order  to  feel  the  burthen  of  my 
guilt !"  exclaimed  the  Anchorite,  whose  eye  began  to  lose 
the  human  expression  which  liad  been  kindled  by  com- 
munion with  this  gentle  being,  in  gleamings  of  a  remorse 
that  had  been  so  long  fed  by  habits  of  morbid  devotion. 
"  Is  not  the  Lord  of  the  imi verse  my  God  ?  The  insult 
was  to  Him  ;  whether  there  be  error  in  this  or  that  form 


204  THE   IIEIDENMAUER. 

of  devotion,  I  was  in  His  temple,  at  the  foot  of  His  altar,  in 
the  presence  of  His  spirit — There  did  I  mock  His  rule, 
and  defy  His  power;  and  this  for  a  silly  triumph  over  a 
terrified  monk  ! " 

"  Heart-stricken  Odo  !  Where  soughtest  thou  refuge, 
after  the  frantic  act  ?  " 

The  Anchorite  looked  intently  at  his  companion,  as  if  a 
flood  of  distressing  and  touching  images  were  pressing 
painfully  upon  his  memory.  "My  first  thought  was  of 
thee,"  he  said  ;  "  the  rash  blow  of  my  sword  was  no  sooner 
given,  than  it  seemed  suddenly  to  open  an  abyss  between 
us.  1  knew  thy  gentle  piety,  and  could  not,  even  in  that 
moment  of  frenzy,  deceive  myself  as  to  thy  decision.  When 
in  a  place  of  safety,  I  wrote  the  letter  which  thou  answered, 
and  which  answer  was  so  firm  and  admirable  a  mixture  of 
holy  horror  and  womanly  feeling.  When  thou  renounced 
me,  I  became  a  vagrant  on  earth,  and  from  that  hour  to 
the  moment  of  my  return  hither,  have  I  been  a  wanderer. 
Much  inliuence  and  heavy  fines  saved  my  estates,  which 
the  life  of  a  pilgrim  and  a  soldier  has  greatly  augmented, 
but  never  till  this  summer  have  I  felt  the  courage  neces- 
sary to  revisit  the  scenes  of  my  youth." 

"And  whither  strayed  thou,  Odo  ?" 

"  I  have  sought  relief  in  every  device  of  man  : — the 
gayety  and  dissipation  of  capitals — hermitages  (for  this  is 
but  the  fourth  of  which  I  am  the  tenant) — arms — and  rude 
hazards  by  sea.  Of  late  have  I  much  occupied  myself  in 
the  defence  of  Rhodes,  that  unhappy  and  fallen  bulwark  of 
Christendom.  But  wherever  I  have  dwelt,  or  in  whatever 
occupation  1  have  sought  relief,  the  recollection  of  my 
crime,  and  of  its  punishment,  pursues  me.  Ulrike,  I  am  a 
man  of  woe  !  " 

"  Nay,  dear  Odo,  there  is  mercy  for  offenders  more 
heavy  than  thou.  Thou  wilt  return  to  thy  long-deserted 
castle,  and  be  at  peace." 

"  And  thou,  Ulrike  !  hath  my  crime  caused  thee  sorrow  ? 
Thou,  at  least,  art  happy  ?  " 

The  question  caused  the  wife  of  Heinrich  Frey  uneasi- 
ness. Her  sentiments  towards  Odo  von  Ritterstein  had 
partaken  of  passion,  and  were  still  clothed  with  hues  of 
the  imagination  ;  while  her  attachment  to  the  Burgomaster 
ran  in  the  smoother  channel  of  duty  and  habit  : — Still 
time,  a  high  sense  of  her  sex's  obligations,  and  the  com- 
mon bond  of  Meta,  kept  her  feelings  in  the  subdued  state 


THE  HEIDENMAUER,  205 

which  most  fitted  her  present  condition.  Had  her  will 
been  consulted,  she  would  not  have  touched  on  this  por- 
tion of  the  subject  at  all  ;  but  since  it  was  introduced,  she 
felt  the  absolute  necessity  of  meeting  it  with  composure. 

"  I  am  happy  in  an  honest  husband  and  an  affection- 
ate child,"  she  said;  ''set  thy  heart  at  rest  on  this  ac- 
count— we  were  not  fitted  for  each  other,  Odo  ;  thy  birth, 
alone,  offered  obstacles  we  might  not  properly  have  over- 
come." 

The  Anchorite  bowed  his  head,  appearing  to  respect  her 
reserve.  The  silence  that  succeeded  was  not  free  from  em- 
barrassment. It  was  relieved  by  the  tones  of  a  bell  that 
came  from  the  hill  of  Limburg.  The  Anchorite  arose,  and 
all  other  feeling  was  evidently  lost  in  a  sudden  return  of 
that  diseased  repentance  which  had  so  long  haunted  him, 
and  which,  in  truth,  had  more  than  once  gone  nigh  to  un- 
settle his  reason. 

"That  signal,  Ulrike,  is  for  me." 

"And  dost  thou  go  forth  to  Limburg  at  this  hour  ?" 

"An  humble  penitent.  I  have  made  my  peace  with 
the  Benedictines  by  means  of  gold,  and  I  go  to  struggle 
for  my  peace  with  God.  This  is  the  anniversary  of  my 
crime,  and  there  will  be  midnight  masses  for  its  expia- 
tion." 

The  wife  of  Heinrich  Frcy  heard  of  his  intention  with- 
out surprise,  though  she  regretted  the  sudden  interruption 
of  their  interview. 

"  Odo,  thy  blessing  !  "  said  Ulrike,  kneeling. 

''Thou,  ask  this  mockery  of  me!"  cried  the  Hermit, 
wildly. — "  Go,  Ulrike  ! — leave  me  with  my  sins." 

The  Anchorite  appeared  irresolute  for  a  moment,  and 
then  he  rushed  madly  from  the  hut,  leaving  the  wife  of 
Heinrich  Frey  still  kneeling  in  its  centre. 


CHAPTER  XVH. 

"Mona,  thy  Druid  riles  awake  the  dead  !  " — Rogers. 

Ulrike  was  in  the  habit  of  making  frequent  and  earnest 
appeals  to  God,  and  she  now  prayed  fervently,  where  she 
knelt.  Her  attention  was  recalled  to  earth  by  a  violent 
shaking  of  the  shoulder. 


2o6  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

"  Ulrike,  child  ! — Frau  Frey  !  "  exclaimed  the  assid* 
nous  Use. — "  Art  glued  to  the  ground  by  necromancy  ? 
Why  art  thou  here,  and  whither  hath  the  holy  man  sped  ? " 

''  Sawest  thou  Odo  von  Ritterstein  ?  " 

"  Whom  !  Art  mad,  Frau  ?  I  saw  none  but  the  blessed 
Anchorite,  who  passed  me  an'  he  were  an  angel  taking 
wing  for  heaven  ;  and  though  I  knelt  and  beseeched  but  a 
look  of  grace,  his  soul  was  too  much  occupied  with  its 
mission  to  note  a  sinner.  Had  I  been  evil  as  some  that 
might  be  named,  this  slight  might  give  some  alarm  ;  but 
being  that  I  am,  I  set  it  down  rather  to  the  account  of 
merit  than  to  that  of  any  need.  Nay,  I  saw  naught  but  the 
Hermit." 

"  Then  didst  thou  see  the  unhappy  Herr  von  Ritter- 
stein !  " 

Use  stood  aghast. 

*'  Have  we  harbored  a  wolf  in  sheep's  clothing,"  she 
cried,  when  the  power  of  speech  returned.  "  Hath  the 
Palatinate  knelt,  and  wept,  and  prayed  at  the  feet  of  a 
sinner,  like  ourselves — nay,  even  worse  tlian  ourselves, 
after  all !  Hath  what  hath  passed  for  true  coin  been  naught 
but  base  metal — our  unction,  hypocrisy — our  hopes,  wicked 
delusions — our  holy  pride,  vanity  ?  " 

"Thou  sawest  Odo  von  Ritterstein,  Use,"  returned  Ul- 
rike, rising,  "but  thou  sawest  a  devout  man." 

Then  giving  her  arm  to  the  nurse,  for  of  the  two  the 
attendant  most  required  assistance,  she  took  the  way  from 
the  hut.  While  walking  among  the  fallen  walls  of  the  de- 
serted camp,  Ulrike  endeavored  to  bring  her  companion 
to  consider  the  character  and  former  sins  of  the  Anchorite 
with  more  lenity.  The  task  was  not  easy,  for  Use  had  been 
accustomed  to  think  the  truant  Odo  altogether  abandoned 
of  God,  and  opinions  that  have  been  pertinaciously  main- 
tained for  twenty  years,  are  not  gotten  rid  of  in  a  moment. 
Still  there  is  a  process  by  which  the  human  mind  can  be 
made  to  do  more  than  justice,  when  prejudice  is  finally 
eradicated.  It  is  by  this  species  of  reaction,  that  we  see 
the  same  individuals  now  reprobated  as  monsters,  and  now 
admired  as  heroes  ;  the  common  sentiment  as  rarely  doing 
strict  justice  in  excessive  applause  as  in  excessive  con- 
demnation. 

We  do  not  mean  to  say,  however,  that  the  sentiment  of 
Use  toward  the  Ancliorite  underwent  this  violent  revulsion 
from  detestation  to  reverence  ;   for  the  utmost  that  Ulrike 


THE   IIEIDENMAUER.  207 

could  obtain  in  his  favor,  was  an  admission  that  he  was  a 
sinner  in  whose  behalf  all  devout  Christians  might  without 
any  manifest  impropriety  occasionally  say  an  ave.  This 
small  concession  of  Use  sufficiently  favored  the  wishes  of 
her  mistress,  which  were  to  follow  the  Hermit  to  the 
Abbey  church,  to  kneel  at  its  altars,  and  to  mingle  her 
prayers  with  those  of  the  penitent,  on  this  the  anniversary 
of  his  crime,  for  pardon  and  peace.  We  pretend  not  to 
show  by  what  cord  oi  human  infirmity  the  wife  of  Heinrich 
Frey  was  led  into  the  indulgence  of  a  sympathy  so  delicate, 
with  one  to  whom  her  hand  had  formerly  been  plighted  ; 
for  we  are  not  acting  here  in  the  capacity  of  censors  of  fe- 
male propriety,  but  as  those  who  endeavor  to  expose  the 
workings  of  the  heart,  be  they  for  good  or  be  they  for  evil. 
It  is  sufficient  for  our  object,  that  the  result  of  the  whole 
picture  shall  be  a  lesson  favorable  to  virtue  and  truth. 

So  soon  as  Ulrike  found  she  could  lead  lier  companion 
in  the  way  she  wished,  without  incurring  the  risk  of  listen- 
ing to  stale  morals  dealt  out  with  a  profuse  garrulity,  she 
took  the  path  directly  towards  the  convent.  As  the  reader 
has  most  probably  perused  our  Introduction,  there  is  no 
necessity  of  saying  more  than  that  Ulrike  and  her  attend- 
ant proceeded  by  the  route  we  ourselves  took  in  going 
from  one  mountain  to  the  other.  But  the  progress  of  Use 
was  far  slower  than  that  described  as  our  own,  in  ascend- 
ing to  the  Heidenmauer  under  the  guidance  of  Christian 
Kinzel.  The  descent  itself  was  long  and  slow,  for  one  of 
her  infirmities  and  years,  and  the  ascent  far  more  tedious 
and  painful.  During  the  latter,  even  Ulrike  was  glad  to 
halt  often,  to  recover  breatli,  though  they  went  up  by  the 
horse-path  over  which  they  iiad  ridden  in  the  mcjrning. 

The  character  of  the  night  had  not  changed.  The  moon 
appeared  to  wade  among  tleecy  clouds  as  before,  and  the 
light  was  misty  but  sufficient  to  render  the  path  distinct. 
At  this  hour,  the  pile  of  the  convent  loomed  against  the 
sky,  with  its  dark  Gcnhic  walls  and  towers,  resembling  a 
work  of  giants,  in  which  those  who  liad  reared  the  structure 
were  reposing  from  their  labors.  Accustomed  as  she  was 
to  worship  at  its  altars,'  Ulrike  did  not  now  approach  the 
gate  without  a  sentiment  of  admirati(;n.  She  raised  her 
eyes  to  the  closed  portal,  to  the  long  ranges  of  dark  and 
sweeping  walls,  and  everywhere  she  met  evidences  of  mid- 
night trancjuillilv.  There  was  a  faint  glow  u|)on  the  side 
of   the  narrow  giddy  tower,  that  contained   the   bells,  and 


2oS  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

which  flanked  the  gate  ;  and  she  knew  that  it  came  from  a 
lamp  that  burnt  before  the  image  of  the  Virgin  in  the 
court.  This  gave  no  sign  that  even  the  porter  was  awake. 
Slie  stepped,  liovvever,  to  the  wicket,  and  rang  the  night- 
bell.  The  grating  of  the  bolts  quickly  announced  the 
presence  of  one  within. 

*'  Who  coineth  to  Limburg  at  this  hour  ?  "  demanded  the 
porter,  holding  the  wicket  chained,  as  if  distrusting 
treachery, 

"  A  penitent  to  pray." 

The  tones  of  the  voice  assured  the  keeper  of  the  gate, 
who  had  means  also  of  examining  the  stranger  with  the 
eye,  and  he  so  far  opened  the  wicket  as  to  permit  the  form 
of  Uh-ike  to  be  distinctly  seen. 

•'  It  is  not  usual  to  admit  thy  sex  within  these  holy  walls, 
after  the  morning  mass  hath  been  said,  and  the  confes- 
sionals are  empty." 

"  There  are  occasions  on  which  the  rule  may  be  broken, 
and  the  solemn  ceremony  of  to-night  is  one." 

"  I  know  not  tliat. — Our  reverend  Abbot  is  severe  in  the 
observance  of  all  decencies " 

"  Nay,  I  am  one  closely  allied  to  him  in  whose  behalf 
this  service  is  given,"  said  Ulrike,  hastily. — ''  Repel  me  not, 
for  the  love  of  God  !  " 

''  Art  thou  of  his  kin  and  blood  ? " 

"Not  of  that  tie,"  she  answered,  in  the  checked  manner 
of  one  who  felt  her  own  precipitation,  "  but  bound  to  his 
hopes  by  the  near  interests  of  affection  and  sympathy." 

She  paused,  for  at  that  instant  the  form  of  the  Anchorite 
filled  the  space  beside  the  porter.  He  had  been  kneeling 
before  the  image  of  a  crucifix  hard  by,  and  had  been  called 
from  his  prayers  by  the  soft  appeal  that  betrayed  Ulrike's 
interest  in  him,  every  tone  of  which  went  to  his  heart. 

"She  is  mine,"  he  said,  authoritatively  ; — "she  and  her 
attendant  are  both  mine. — Let  them  enter  !  " 

Ulrike  hesitated — she  scarce  knew  why, — and  Use, 
wearied  with  her  efforts,  and  impatient  to  be  at  rest,  was 
obliged  to  impel  her  forward.  The  Hermit,  as  if  suddenly 
recalled  to  the  duty  on  which  he  had  come  to  the  convent, 
turned  and  glided  away.  The  porter,  Vv^ho  had  received 
his  instructions  relative  to  him  for  whom  the  mass  was  to 
be  said,  offered  no  further  obstacle,  but  permitted  Use  to 
conduct  her  mistress  within.  No  sooner  were  the  females 
in  the  court,  than  he  closed  and  barred  the  wicket. 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  209 

Ulrike  hesitated  no  longer,  though  she  trembled  in  every 
limb.  Dragging  the  loitering  Use  after  her  with  difficulty, 
she  took  the  way  directly  toward  the  door  of  the  chapel. 
With  the  exception  of  the  porter  at  the  wicket,  and  the 
lamp  before  the  Virgin,  all  seemed  as  dim  and  still  within 
as  it  had  been  without  the  Abbev-walls.  Not  even  a  sen- 
tinel  of  Duke  Fricdrich's  men-at-arms  was  visible  ;  but  this 
occasioned  no  surprise,  as  these  troops  were  known  to  keep 
as  much  aloof  from  the  more  religious  part  of  the  tenants 
of  Limburg,  as  was  possible.  The  spacious  buildings,  in 
the  rear  of  the  Abbot's  dwelling,  might  well  have  lodged 
double  their  number,  and  in  these  it  was  probable  they 
were  now  housed.  As  for  the  monks,  the  lateness  of  the 
hour,  and  the  nature  of  the  approaching  service,  fully  ac- 
counted for  their  absence. 

The  door  of  the  Abbey-church  was  always  open.  This 
usage  is  nearly  common  to  every  Catholic  place  of  worsliip 
in  towns  of  any  size,  and  it  contains  an  affecting  appeal,  to 
the  passenger,  to  remember  the  Being  in  whose  honor  the 
temple  has  been  raised.  The  custom  is,  in  general,  turned 
to  account  equally  by  the  pious  and  the  inquisitive,  the 
amateur  of  the  arts,  and  the  worshipper  of  Gcjd  ;  and  it  is 
to  be  regretted  that  the  former,  more  especially  when  they 
belong  to  a  different  persuasion  or  sect,  should  not  oftener 
remember,  that  their  taste  becomes  bad,  when  it  is  indulged 
at  the  expense  of  that  reverence  which  should  mark  all  the 
conduct  of  man  in  the  immediate  presence  of  his  Creator. 
On  the  present  occasion,  however,  there  were  none  present 
to  treat  either  the  altar  or  its  worship  with  levity.  When 
Ulrike  and  Use  entered  the  chapel,  the  candles  of  the  great 
altar  were  lighted,  and  the  lamps  of  the  choir  threw  a 
gloomy  illumination  on  its  sombre  architecture.  The  fret- 
ted and  painted  vault  above,  the  carved  oak  of  the  stalls, 
the  images  of  the  altar,  and  the  grave  and  kneeling  war- 
riors in  stone,  that  decorated  the  tombs,  stood  out  promi- 
nent in  tlie  relief  of  their  own  deep  shadows. 

If  it  be  desirable  to  quicken  devotion  by  physical  aux- 
iliaries, surely  all  tiiat  was  necessary  to  reduce  the  mind 
to  deep  and  contemplative  awe  existed  here.  The  officials 
of  the  altar  swe})t  past  tlie  gorgeous  and  consecrated 
structure  in  their  robes  of  duty  ;  grave,  expectant  monks 
were  in  their  stalls,  and  Honiface  himself  sat  on  his  throne, 
mitred  and  c:lad  in  vestments  of  embroidery.  It  is  possible 
that  an  inquisitive  and  hostile  eye  might  have  detected  in 


2IO  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

some  weary  countenance  or  heavy  eyelid  longings  for  the 
pillow,  and  little  sympathy  in  the  otiices  ;  but  there  w».rc 
others  who  entered  on  their  duties  with  zeal  and  convic- 
tion. Among  the  last  was  Father  Arnolph,  whose  pale 
features  and  thoughtful  eye  were  seen  in  his  stall,  where 
he  sat  regarding  the  preparations  with  the  tranquil  pa- 
tience of  one  accustomed  to  seek  his  happiness  in  the 
duties  of  his  vow.  To  him  might  be  put  in  contrast  the 
unquiet  organs  and  severe,  rather  than  mortified,  linea- 
ments of  Father  Johan,  who  glanced  hurriedly  from  the 
altar,  and  its  rich  decorations,  to  the  spot  where  the  An- 
chorite knelt,  as  if  to  calculate  to  what  degree  of  humilia- 
tion and  bitterness  it  were  possible  to  reduce  the  bruised 
spirit  of  the  penitent. 

Odo  of  Ritterstein,  for  there  no  longer  remains  a  reason 
for  refusing  to  the  Anchorite  his  proper  appellation,  had 
placed  himself  near  the  railing  at  the  foot  of  the  choir,  on 
his  knees,  where  he  continued  with  his  eyes  fixed  on  the 
golden  vessel  that  contained  the  consecrated  host  he  had 
once  outraged — the  offence  whicli  he  had  now  come,  as 
much  as  in  him  lay,  to  expiate.  The  light  fell  but  faintly 
on  his  form,  but  it  served  to  render  every  furrow  that  grief 
and  passion  liad  drawn  athwart  his  features  more  evident. 
Ulrike  studied  his  countenance,  seen  as  it  was  in  circum- 
stances of  so  little  flattery  ;  and,  trembling,  she  knelt  by 
the  side  of  Use,  on  the  other  side  of  the  little  gate  that 
served  to  communicate  between  the  body  of  the  church 
and  the  choir.  Just  as  she  had  assumed  this  posture,  Gott- 
lob  stole  from  among  the  pillars,  and  knelt  in  tlie  distance, 
on  the  flags  of  the  great  aisle.  He  had  come  to  the  mass 
as  a  ceremony  refused  to  none. 

So  strong  was  the  light  around  the  altar,  and  so  obscure 
the  aisles  below,  that  it  was  with  difficulty  Bonifacius  could 
assure  himself  of  the  presence  of  him  in  whose  behalf  this 
office  was  had.  But  when,  by  contracting  his  heavy  front, 
so  as  to  form  a  sort  of  screen  of  his  shaggy  brows,  he  was 
enabled  to  distinguish  the  form  of  Odo,  he  seemed  satisfied, 
and  mentioned  for  the  worship  to  proceed. 

There  is  little  need  to  repeat  the  details  of  a  ceremony 
it  has  been  our  office  already  to  relate  in  these  pages  ;  but 
as  the  music  and  other  services  had  place  in  the  quiet  and 
calm  of  midnight,  they  were  doubly  touching  and  solemn. 
There  was  the  same  power  of  the  single  voice  as  in  the 
morning,  or  rather  on  the  preceding  day,  for  the  turn  of 


THE   IIEIDENMAUER.  2il 

the  night  was  now  passed,  and  the  same  startling  effect 
was  pnjduced,  even  on  tliose  who  were  accustomed  to  its 
thrilling  and  superhuman  melody.  As  the  mass  proceeded, 
the  groans  of  the  Anchorite  became  so  audible,  that,  at 
times,  these  throes  of  sorrow  threatened  to  interrupt  the 
ceremonies.  The  heart  of  Ulrike  responded  to  each  sigh 
that  escaped  the  bosom  of  Odo,  and,  ere  the  first  prayers 
were  ended,  her  face  was  bathed  in  tears. 

The  examination  of  the  different  countenances  of  the 
brotherhood,  during  this  scene,  would  have  been  a  study 
worthy  of  a  deep  inquirer  into  the  varieties  of  human  char- 
acter, or  of  those  who  love  to  trace  the  various  forms  in 
which  the  same  causes  work  on  different  tempers.  Each 
groan  of  the  Anchorite  lighted  the  glowing  features  of 
Father  Johan  with  a  species  of  holy  delight,  as  if  he  tri- 
umphed in  the  power  of  the  offices  ;  and,  at  each  minute, 
his  head  was  bent  inquiringly  in  the  direction  of  the  railing, 
while  his  ear  listened  eagerly  for  the  smallest  sound  that 
might  favor  his  desires.  On  the  other  hand,  the  working 
of  the  Prior's  features  were  those  of  sorrow  and  sympathy. 
Every  sigh  that  reached  him  awakened  a  feeling  of  pity — 
blended  with  pious  joy,  it  is  true — but  a  pity  that  was  deep, 
distinct,  and  human.  Bonifacius  listened  like  one  in  au- 
thority, coldly,  and  with  little  concern  in  what  passed  be- 
yond that  which  was  attached  to  a  proper  observance  of 
the  ritual ;  and,  from  time  to  time,  he  bent  his  head  on  his 
liand,  while  he  evidently  pondered  on  things  that  had  little 
connection  with  what  was  passing  before  his  eyes.  Others 
of  the  fraternity  manifested  more  or  less  of  devotion,  ac- 
cording to  their  several  characters  ;  and  a  few  found  means 
to  obtain  portions  of  sleep,  as  the  rights  admitted  of  the 
indulgence. 

In  this  manner  did  the  community  of  Limburg  pass  the 
first  hours  c;f  the  day,  or  rather  of  the  morning,  that  suc- 
ceeded the  Sabbath  of  this  tale.  It  may  have  been,  after- 
wards, source  of  consolation  to  those  among  them  that 
were  most  zeahnis  in  the  observance  of  their  vows,  that 
they  were  thus  passed  ;  for  events  were  near  that  had  a 
lasting  influence  not  only  on  their  own  destinies,  but  on 
those  of  the  very  region  in  which  they  dwelt. 

The  strains  of  the  last  hymn  were  rising  into  the  vault 
above  the  choir,  when,  amid  the  calm  that  exquisite  voice 
never  failed  to  j'lroduce,  there  came  a  low  rushing  sound, 
which  might  have  been  taken  for  the  murmuring  of  wind, 


212  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

or  for  tlie  suppressed  hum  of  a  hundred  voices.  When  it 
was  first  heard,  stealing  among  the  ribbed  arches  of  the 
chapel,  the  cow-herd  arose  from  his  knees,  and  disappeared 
in  the  gloomy  depths  of  the  church.  The  monks  turned 
their  heads,  as  by  a  general  impulse,  to  listen,  but  the  com- 
mon action  was  as  quickly  succeeded  by  grave  attention  to 
the  rites.  Bonifacius,  indeed,  seemed  uneasy,  though  it 
was  like  a  man  who  scarce  knew  why.  'His  gray  eyes 
roamed  over  the  body  of  darkness  that  reigned  among  the 
distant  columns  of  the  church,  and  then  they  settled,  with 
vacancy,  on  the  gorgeous  vessels  of  the  altar.  The  hymn 
continued,  and  its  soothing  power  appeared  to  quiet  every 
mind,  when  the  sound  of  tumult  at  the  great  gate  of  the 
outer  wall  became  too  audible  and  distinct  to  admit  of 
doubt.  The  whole  brotherhood  arose  as  a  man,  and  the 
voice  of  the  singer  was  mute.  Ulrike  clasped  her  hands  in 
agony,  while  even  Odo  of  Ritterstein  forgot  his  grief,  in  the 
rude  nature  of  the  interruption. 


CHAPTER  XVni. 

**  Thy  reason,  dear  venom,  give  thy  reason  !  " — T-oelfth  Night. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  explain,  that  the  man  who 
had  accompanied  Ulrike  and  Use  to  the  gate  of  Duerck- 
heim,  was  Heinrich  Frey.  No  sooner  had  his  wife  disap- 
peared, and  his  short  conference  with  the  men  on  watch 
was  ended,  than  the  Burgomaster  hurried  towards  that 
quarter  of  the  town  which  lay  nearest  to  the  entrance  of 
the  Jaegerthal.  Here  he  found  collected  a  band  of  a  hun- 
dred burghers,  chosen  from  among  their  townsmen,  for 
resolution  and  physical  force.  They  were  all  equipped, 
according  to  the  fashion  of  the  times,  with  such  weapons 
of  offence  as  suited  their  several  habits  and  experience. 
We  might  also  add,  that,  as  each  good  man,  on  going  forth 
on  the  present  occasion,  had  seen  fit  to  consult  his  bosom's 
partner,  there  was  more  than  the  usual  display  of  head- 
pieces, and  breastplates,  and  bucklers. 

When  with  his  followers,  and  assured  of  their  exactitude 
and  numbers,  the  Burgomaster,  who  was  a  man  nowise  de- 
ficient in  courage,  ordered  the  postern  to  be  opened,  and 
issued  first  himself  into  the  field.      The  townsmen    sue- 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  211 

ceeded  in  their  allotted  order,  observing  the  most  profound 
silence.  Instead  of  taking  the  direct  road  to  the  gorge, 
Heinrich  crossed  the  rivulet,  by  a  private  bridge,  pursuing 
a  footpath  that  led  him  up  the  ascent  of  tlic  most  advanced 
of  the  mountains,  on  that  side  of  the  valley.  The  reader 
will  understand,  that  this  movement  placed  the  party  on 
the  hill  which  lay  directly  opposite  to  that  of  the  Heiden- 
mauer.  At  the  period  of  the  tale,  cedars  grew  on  the  two 
mountains  alike,  and  the  townsmen,  of  course,  had  the  ad- 
vantage of  being  concealed  from  observation.  A  half-hour 
was  necessary  to  effect  this  lodgment,  with  sufhcient 
caution  and  secrecy  ;  but  once  made,  the  whole  band 
seemed  to  consider  itself  beyond  the  danger  of  discovery. 
The  men  then  continued  the  march  with  less  attention  to 
order  and  silence,  and  even  their  leaders  began  to  indulge 
in  discourse.  Tlicir  conversation  was,  however,  guarded, 
like  that  of  those  who  felt  they  were  engaged  in  an  enter- 
prise of  hazard. 

*' 'Tis  said,  neighbor  Dietrich,"  commenced  the  Burgo- 
master, speaking  to  a  sturdy  smith,  who  acted  on  this  oc- 
casion as  lieutenant  to  the  commander-in-chief,  an  honor 
that  was  mainly  due  to  the  power  of  his  arm,  and  wiio, 
emboldened  by  his  temporary  rank,  had  advanced  nearly 
to  Heinrich's  side,  "'Tis  said,  neighbor  Dietrich,  that  these 
Benedictines  are  like  bees,  who  never  go  fortli  but  in  tlie 
season  of  plenty,  and  rarely  return  without  rich  contribu- 
tion to  their  hive.  Thou  art  a  reflecting  and  solid  towns- 
man ;  one  that  is  little  moved  by  the  ligiit  opinions  of  the 
idle,  and  a  burgher  that  knoweth  his  own  rights,  which  is 
as  mucli  as  to  say,  his  own  interests,  and  one  that  well 
understandeth  the  necessity  of  preserving  all  of  our  vener- 
able usages  and  laws,  at  least  in  such  matters  as  touch  the 
permanency  of  the  welfare  (jf  those  that  may  lay  claim  to 
have  a  welfare.  I  speak  not  now  oi  the  varlets  who  be- 
long, as  it  were,  neitlier  t(j  heaven  nor  earth,  being  con- 
demned of  both  to  the  misery  <>f  liouseless  and  irresponsible 
knaves  ;  but  of  men  of  substance,  that,  like  thee  and  thy 
craft,  pay  scot  and  lot,  keep  bed  and  board,  and  are  other- 
wise to  be  marked  for  their  usefulness  and  natural  rights  ; 
— and  this  brings  me  to  my  point,  wliich  is  neither  more 
nor  less  than  to  say,  that  God  hath  created  all  men  equal, 
and  therefore  it  is  our  right,  no  less  than  our  duty,  to  see 
that  Uuerckheim  is  not  wronged,  esj^ecially  in  that  part  of 
her  interests  that  belong,  in  particularity,  to  her  substan- 


214  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

tial  inhabitants.  Do  I  say  that  wliich  is  reasonable,  or  do 
I  deceive  both  myself  and  thee,  friend  smith  ?" 

Heinrich  had  a  reputation  for  eloquence  and  logic,  es- 
pecially among  his  own  partisans,  and  his  appeal  was  now 
made  to  one  who  was  little  likely  to  refuse  him  any  honor. 
Dietrich  was  one  of  those  animal  philosophers  who  seem 
specially  qualified  by  nature  to  sustain  a  parliamentary 
leader,  possessing  a  good  organ,  with  but  an  indifferent  in- 
tellect to  derange  its  action.  His  mind  had  precisely  the 
description  of  vacuum  which  is  so  necessary  to  produce 
a  good  political  or  moral  echo,  more  particularly  when  the 
proposition  is  false ;  for  the  smallest  addition  to  his  ca- 
pacity might  have  had  such  an  effect  on  his  replies,  as  a 
sounding-board  is  known  to  possess  in  defeating  the  repe- 
titions of  the  voice. 

"By  St.  Benedict,  Master  Heinrich,"  he  answered,  *'for 
it  is  permitted  to  invoke  the  saint,  though  we  so  little 
honor  his  monks,  it  were  well  for  Duke  Friedrich  had  he 
less  wine  in  his  Heidelberg  tuns,  and  more  of  your  wisdom 
in  his  councils !  What  you  have  just  proclaimed  is  no 
other  than  w^iat  I  have  myself  thought  these  many  years, 
though  never  able  to  hammer  down  an  idea  into  speech  so 
polished  and  cutting  as  this  of  your  worship!  Let  them 
that  deny  what  I  say  take  up  their  weapons,  and  I  w^ill  re- 
pose on  my  sledge  as  on  an  argument  not  to  be  answ^ered. 
We  must,  in  sooth,  see  Duerckheim  righted,  and  more  is 
tlie  need,  since  there,  is  this  equality  between  all  men,  as 
hath  just  been  so  well  said." 

"Nay,  this  matter  of  equality  is  one  much  spoken  of, 
but  as  little  understood.  Look  you,  good  Dietrich  ;  give 
me  thy  ear  for  a  few  minutes,  and  tliou  shaltget  an  insight 
into  its  justice.  Here  are  we  of  the  small  towns  born  with 
all  properties  and  wants  of  those  in  your  large  capitals — 
are  we  not  men  to  need  our  privileges— or  are  we  not 
human,  that  air  is  unnecessary  for  breath — I  think  thou 
wilt  not  gainsay  either  of  these  truths." 

"  He  that  would  do  it  is  little  better  than  an  ass ! " 

"  This  being  established,  therefore,  naught  remains  but 
to  show  the  conclusion.  We,  having  the  same  rights  as 
the  largest  towms  in  the  empire,  should  be  permitted  to 
enjoy  them  ;  else  is  language  little  better  than  mockery, 
and  a  municipal  privilege  of  no  more  value  than  a  serfs 
oath." 

''  This  is  so  clear  I   marvel   any   should  deny  it !     And 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  215 

what  say  they  of  the  villages,  Master  Burgomaster  ?    Will 
they,  think  you,  sustain  us  in  this  holy  cause  ?" 

"  Nay,  I  touch  not  on  the  villages,  good  smith,  since 
they  have  neither  burgomasters  nor  burghers  ;  and  where 
there  is  so  little  to  sustain  a  cause,  of  what  matter  is  re- 
sistance. I  speak  chiefly  of  ourselves,  and  of  towns  hav- 
ing means,  which  is  a  case  so  clear,  that  it  were  manifest 
weakness  to  confound  it  with  any  other.  He  that  hath 
right  of  his  side  were  a  fool  to  enter  into  league  with  any 
of  doubtful  franchises.  All  have  their  natural  and  holy 
advantages,  but  those  are  the  best  which  are  most  clear  by 
their  riches  and  force." 

*'  I  pray  you,  worshipful  Heinrich,  grant  me  but  a  single 
favor,  an'  you  love  me  so  much  as  a  hair?" 

"  Name  thy  will,  smith." 

*'  That  I  may  speak  of  this  among  the  townsmen  ! — such 
wisdom,  and  conclusion  so  evident,  should  not  be  cast  to 
the  winds." 

"  Thou  knowest  I  do  not  discourse  for  vain   applause." 

"  By  my  father's  bones  !  I  will  touch  upon  it  wdth  dis- 
cretion, most  honorable  Burgomaster,  and  not  as  one  of 
vain  speech — your  honor  knows  the  difference  between  a 
mere  street  babbler  and  one  that  hath  a  shop." 

*'  Have  it  as  thou  wilt  ;  but  I  take  not  the  merit  of  orig- 
inality, for  there  are  many  good  and  substantial  citizens, 
and  some  statesmen,  who  think  much  in  this  manner." 

''Well,  it  is  happy  that  God  hath  not  gifted  all  alike, 
else  might  there  have  been  great  and  unreasonable  equal- 
ity, and  some  would  have  arrived  to  honors  they  were  lit- 
tle able  to  bear.  But  having  so  clearly  explained  your 
most  excellent  motives,  worsliipful  Heinricii,  wilt  conde- 
scend to  ligliten  the  march  by  an  application  of  its  truth 
to  the  enterprise  on  which  we  go  forth  ? " 

"  That  may  be  d(jne  readily,  for  no  tower  in  the  Palati- 
nate is  more  obvious.  Here  is  Limburg,  and  yon  is  Duerck- 
tieim  ;  rival  communities,  as  it  were,  in  interests  and 
hopes,  and  of  necessity  but  little  disposed  to  do  each  other 
favor.  Nature,  which  is  a  great  master  of  all  questions  of 
right  and  wrong,  sayeth  that  Duerckhcim  shall  not  harm 
Limburg,  nor  Limburg    Duercklieim. — Is  this  clear  ?" 

"  Himmel !  as  the  flame  of  a  furnace,  honorable  Burgo- 
master." 

"  Now,  it  being  thus  settled,  that  there  shall  be  no  inter 
ferencc  in   each  other's  concerns,  wc  yield   to  necessity, 


2t6  the  HEIDENMAUER. 

and  go  forth  armed  in  order  to  prevent  Limburg  doing 
wrong  to  a  principle  that  all  just  men  admit  to  be  invio- 
lable. You  perceive  the  nicety  ;  we  confess  that  what  we 
do  is  weak  in  argument,  and  the  greater  need  it  should  be 
strong  in  execution.  We  are  no  madcaps  to  unsettle  a 
principle  to  gain  our  ends,  but  then  all  must  have  heed  to 
their  interests,  and  what  we  do  is  with  a  reserve  of  doc- 
trine." 

"This  relieves  my  soul  from  a  mountain!"  exclaimed 
the  smith,  who  had  listened  with  a  sort  of  earnestness  that 
denotes  honesty  of  purpose  ;  "naught  can  be  more  just, 
and  woe  to  him  that  shall  gainsay  it,  while  back  of  mine 
carries  harness ! " 

In  this  manner  did  Heinrich  and  his  lieutenant  lighten 
the  way  by  subtle  discourse,  and  by  arguments  that  we 
feel  some  consciousness  may  subject  us  to  the  imputation 
of  plagiarisms,  but  for  which  we  can  vouch  as  genuine,  on 
the  authority  of  Christian  Kinzel,  already  so  often  named. 

The  high  and  disinterested  intellect  that  is  active  in 
regulating  the  interests  of  the  world  has  been  so  often 
alluded  to,  in  other  places  and  on  different  occasions,  that 
it  is  quite  useless  to  expatiate  on  it  here.  We  have  already 
said,  that  Heinrich  Frey  was  a  stout  friend  of  the  conserv- 
ative principle,  which,  reduced  to  practice,  means  little 
more  than  that 

"  They  shall  get,  who  have  the  power, 
And  they  shall  keep,  who  can." 

Justice,  like  liberality,  has  great  reservations,  and  perhaps 
there  are  few  countries  in  the  present  advanced  condition 
of  the  human  species,  that  does  not  daily  employ  some 
philosophy  of  the  same  involved  character  as  this  of  Hein- 
rich, supported  by  reasoning  as  lucid,  irresistible,  and  ner- 
vous. 

The  direction  in  which  the  band  of  Duerckheimers  pro- 
ceeded, led  them  by  a  tortuous  way,  it  is  true,  but  surely, 
to  the  side  of  the  valley  on  which  the  castle  of  Hartenburg 
stood.  Heinrich,  however,  brought  his  followers  to  a  halt 
long  before  they  had  made  the  circuit  whicli  would  have 
been  necessary  to  reach  the  hold  of  Count  Emich.  The 
place  he  chose  for  the  collection  and  review  of  the  band, 
was  about  tnidway  between  Duerckheim  and  the  castle, 
pursuing  a  line  that  conformed  to  the  sinuosities  and  varia- 
tions of  the  foot  of  the  mountain.   It  was  in  an  open  grove, 


THE   HEIDENAJAUER.  217 

where  the  shadows  of  the  trees  effectually  concealed  the 
presence  of  the  unusual  company.  Here  refreshments 
were  taken  by  all,  for  the  good  people  of  the  town  were 
much  addicted  to  practices  of  this  consolatory  nature,  and 
the  occasion  must  have  been  doubly  urgent  that  could  in- 
duce them  to  overlook  the  calls  of  the  appetite. 

"  Seest  thou  aught  of  our  allies,  honest  smith?"  de- 
manded Heinrich  of  his  lieutenant,  who  had  been  sent  a 
short  distance  along  the  brow  of  the  hill  to  reconnoitre. 
**  It  were  unseemly  in  men  so  trained  as  our  friends,  to  be 
lacking  at  need." 

"  Doubt  them  not.  Master  Fleinrich.  I  know  the  knaves 
well  ;  they  merely  tarry  to  lighten  their  packs  by  the 
way,  in  consumptions  like  this  of  our  own.  Dost  see  the 
manner  in  which  the  Benedictines  affect  tranquillity,  wor- 
shipful Burgomaster  ?  " 

"  'Tis  their  usual  ghostly  hypocrisy,  brave  Dietrich  ;  but 
we  shall  uncloak  them  !  Good  will  come  of  our  enter- 
prise, for,  of  a  truth,  by  this  spirit  on  our  part,  which  shall 
for  ever  demonstrate  the  necessity  of  not  meddling  in  the 
concerns  of  a  neighbor,  we  settle  all  uncertainties  between 
us.  By  the  Kings  of  Koeln  !  is  it  to  be  tolerated,  that  a 
gownsman  shall  hoodwink  a  townsman  to  the  day  of  judg- 
ment ? — Is  there  not  a  light  in  the  Abbey-chapcl  ? " 

"The  reverend  fathers  pray  against  their  enemies. 
Dost  think,  worshipful  Burgomaster,  that  the  tale  concern- 
ing the  manner  in  which  thcise  heaw  stones  were  carried 
u{)c>n  Limburg  hill,  has  received  small  additions  by  oft  tell- 
ing?" 

"  It  may  be  thus,  Dietrich  ;  for  naught,  unless  it  may 
be  damp  snow,  gaineth  more  by  repeated  rolling,  than 
your  story." 

"  And  gold,"  rejoined  the  smith,  chuckling  in  a  manner 
not  to  displease  his  superior,  since  it  palpably  intimated 
the  idea  he  entertained  of  the  Burgomaster's  success  in 
accumulating  money,  an  idea  that  is  always  pleasant  to 
those  who  duem  prosperity  of  this  nature  to  be  the  princi- 
pal end  of  life — *'Gold  well  replied  increases  marvellously! 
I  am  of  your  mind.  Master  Ileinrich  ;  for  to  speak  truth, 
I  much  question  whether  the  Evil  Sj)irit  would  have 
troubled  himself  with  so  light  an  affair  as  carrying  the 
smaller  materials  a  fcjot. — As  to  the  heavy  columns,  and 
the  hewn  key-stones,  with  other  Itxids  of  weight,  it  was  so 
much  beneath   his   character,  and   may  be   considered  as 


2i8  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

probable.  I  have  never  contradicted  that  part  of  the 
legend,  for  it  hath  likelihood  to  back  it,  but — ha!  here 
Cometh  the  succor." 

The  approach  of  a  band  of  men,  who  came  from  the  di- 
rection of  Hartenburg,  always  keeping  along  the  margin  of 
the  hills,  and  within  the  shadows,  absorbed  all  attention. 
Tliis  second  party  was  treble  the  force  of  the  townsmen, 
like  them  it  was  armed,  and,  like  them,  it  showed  every 
sign  of  military  preparation.  When  it  had  halted,  which 
it  did  at  a  little  distance  from  the  band  of  Heinrich,  as  if 
it  were  not  deemed  advisable  to  blend  the  two  bodies  in 
one,  a  warrior  advanced  to  the  spot  where  the  Burgo- 
master had  taken  post.  The  new  comer  was  w^ell  but 
lightly  armed,  wearing  head-piece  and  harness,  and  carry- 
ing his  sword  at  rest. 

''  Who  leadeth  the  Duerckheimers  !  "  he  demanded,  when 
near  enough  to  trust  his  voice. 

"Their  poor  Burgomaster,  in  person  ;  would  there  had 
been  a  better  for  the  duty  !  " 

"Welcome,  worshipful  sir,"  said  the  other,  bowing  with 
more  than  usual  respect,  "  In  my  turn,  I  come  at  the 
head  of  Count  Emich's  followers." 

"  How  art  thou  styled,  brave  captain  ? " 

"Tis  a  name  but  little  worthy  to  be  classed  with  yours, 
Herr  Frey.  But  such  as  it  is,  I  disown  it  not.  I  am 
Berchthold  Hintermayer." 

"  Umph  ! — A  young  leader  for  so  grave  an  enterprise  ! 
— I  had  hoped  for  the  honor  of  thy  lord's  company." 

"  I  am  commanded  to  explain  this  matter  to  your  wor- 
ship." Berchthold  then  walked  aside  with  the  Burgo- 
master, while  Dietrich  proceeded  to  take  a  nearer  view  of 
the  allied  force. 

It  is  well  known  to  most  of  our  readers,  that  every  baron 
of  note,  at  the  time  of  which  we  write,  entertained  more 
or  fewer  dependants,  who,  succeeding  to  the  regularly 
banded  vassals  of  the  earlier  ages,  held  a  sort  of  middle 
station  between  the  servitor  and  the  soldier.  There  stands 
a  noble  ruin,  called  Pierrefont,  within  a  day's  ride  of  Paris, 
and  on  tlie  very  verge  of  a  royal  forest, — a  forest  that  in 
some  of  its  features  approaches  nearer  to  an  American 
wood  than  any  we  have  yet  met  in  the  other  hemisphere 
— which  castle  of  Pierrefont  is  known  to  have  been  the 
hold  of  one  of  these  warlike  nobles,  who  did  many  and 
manifest  wrongs  to  the  lieges  of  the  king,  even  in  an  age 


THE   ITEIDEN'MAUER.  219 

considerably  later  tlian  this  of  our  talc.  In  short,  European 
society,  just  then,  "was  in  the  state  of  transition,  beginning 
to  reject  the  trammels  of  feudalism,  and  struggling  to  wear 
its  bonds,  at  least  in  a  new  and  less  ti'oublesome  form.  But 
the  importance  and  political  autliority  cjf  the  Counts  of 
Leiningen  fully  entitled  them  to  preserve  a  train  that 
barons  of  lesser  ncjte  were  beginning  to  abandon,  and  con- 
sequently all  of  their  castles  had  many  of  these  loose  fol- 
lowers, wlio  have  since  been  entirely  superseded  by 
the  regularly  embodied  and  trained  troops  of  our  own 
time. 

The  smith  found  much  to  approve,  and  something  to 
censure,  in  the  [)arty  that  Bcrchthold  had  led  to  their  sup- 
port. So  far  as  recklessness  of  character  and  object,  au- 
dacity in  acts,  and  indifference  to  moral  ciiecks,  were  con- 
cerned, a  better  troop  could  not  have  been  desired,  for 
more  tlian  half  of  them  were  men  who  lived  by  the  ex- 
cesses of  the  community,  occupying  exactly  tliat  position 
in  the  social  scale  that  fungi  do  in  the  vegetable,  or  that 
sores  and  blotches  fill  in  the  physical  economy  of  the 
species.  But  in  respect  to  thews  and  sinews,  a  primary 
consideration  with  the  smith  in  estimating  the  value  of 
every  man  he  saw,  they  were  much  inferior,  as  a  body,  to 
the  townsmen,  in  whom  orderly  living,  gainful  and  regular 
industry,  had  permitted  the  animal  to  become  developed. 
There  was,  however,  a  band  of  peasants,  drawn  from  among 
the  mountains,  or  inhabitants  of  the  hamlet  beneath  the 
castle  walls,  who,  though  less  menacing  in  air,  and  bold  of 
speech,  were  youths  that  Dietrich  thought  only  required 
the  Duerckheim  training  to  become  heroes. 

When  Heinrich  and  Bcrchthold  rejoined  their  respective 
followers,  after  the  private  discourse,  all  disccmtent  was 
banished  from  the  former's  brow,  and  both  immediatelv 
occupied  themselves  in  making  the  dispositions  necessary 
to  the  success  of  the  common  enterprise.  The  wood,  in 
which  they  had  halted,  lav  directly  opjiosite  to  the  inner 
extremity  of  the  Abl)ev  hill,  from  which  it  was  separated 
by  a  broad  and  perfectlv  e\eii  meadow.  The  distance, 
though  not  great,  was  sufficient  to  render  it  probable,  that 
the  approach  of  tlie  invaders  would  be  seen  by  some  of 
the  sentinels,  who,  tliere  was  little  doubt,  the  men-at-arms, 
lent  by  the  Elector  to  the  monks,  maintained,  were  it  only 
for  their  own  security.  Limburg  was  not  a  fortress,  its 
impunity  being  due  altogether  to  the  moral  power  that  the 


220  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

Church,  to  which  it  belonged,  still  wielded,  though  it  were 
so  much  weakened  in  that  part  of  Germany ;  but  its  walls 
were  high  and  solid,  its  towers  numerous,  its  edifices  mas- 
sive, and  all  was  so  disposed  that  a  body  within,  resolutely 
bent  on  resistance,  might  well  have  set  at  defiance  a  force 
like  that  which  now  came  against  it. 

Of  all  these  truths  Heinrich  was  sensible,  for  he  had 
shown  courage  and  gained  experience  in  the  defence  of 
places,  during  a  life  that  was  now  past  its  meridian,  and 
which  had  been  necessarily  spent  amid  the  tumults  and 
contentions  of  that  troubled  age.  He  looked  about  him, 
therefore,  with  greater  seriousness,  in  order  to  ascertain 
on  whom  he  might  rely,  and  the  fine  and  collected  deport- 
ment of  Berchthold  Hintermayer  gave  him  that  sort  of 
satisfaction  which  brave  men  feel  by  communion  with 
kindred  spirits  in  the  moment  of  danger.  When  every 
necessary  disposition  was  made,  the  party  advanced, 
moving  deliberately  to  preserve  their  order,  and  conscious 
that  breath  would  be  necessary  in  mounting  the  steep  ac- 
clivity. 

Perhaps  there  is  no  time  in  which  the  ingenuity  of  man 
is  more  active,  than  in  those  moments  when  he  has  a  sen- 
sitive consciousness  of  being  wrong,  and  consequently  a 
feverish  desire  to  vindicate  his  works  or  acts  to  himself,  as 
well  as  to  others.  A  deep  conviction  of  truth,  and  the  cer- 
tainty of  being  right,  fortifies  the  mind  with  a  high  moral 
dignity,  that  even  disinclines  it  to  the  humility  of  vindica- 
tion. Thus  he  who  rushes  from  a  dispute  in  which  his 
own  convictions  cause  him  to  distrust  his  own  arguments, 
into  rash  and  general  asseverations,  betrays  tlie  goadings 
of  conscience  rather  than  spirit,  and  weakens  the  very 
cause  that  it  may  be  his  wish  to  establish.  An  arrogant 
assumption  of  knowledge,  especially  in  matters  that  our 
previous  habits  and  education  rather  disqualify  than  teach 
us  to  comprehend,  can  only  lead  to  contradiction  and  de- 
tection ;and  although  circumstances  may  lend  a  momentary 
and  fallacious  support  to  error,  the  triumph  of  truth  is  as 
certain  as  its  punishments  are  severe.  Happily,  this  is  an 
age,  in  which  no  sophistry  can  long  escape  unscathed,  nor 
any  injury  to  natural  justice  go  long  unrequited.  No 
matter  where  the  wrong  to  truth  has  been  committed — on 
the  throne,  or  in  the  cabinet,  in  the  senate,  or  by  means  of 
the  press — society  is  certain  to  avenge  itself  for  the  decep- 
tions of  which  it  has  been  the  dupe,  and  its  final  judg* 


THE  IIEIDENMAUER.  221 

ments  arc  recorded  on  tliat  opinion  which  lasts  long  after 
the  specious  triumphs  of  the  plausible  are  forgotten.  It 
were  well  that  they  who  abuse  their  situations,  by  a  reck- 
less disregard  of  consequences,  in  order  to  obtain  a  mo- 
mentary object,  oftener  remembered  this  fact,  for  they 
would  spare  themselves  the  mortification,  and  in  some 
cases  the  infamy,  that  is  so  sure  to  rest  on  him  who  disre- 
gards right  to  attain  an  end. 

Heinrich  Frey  greatly  distrusted  the  lawfulness  of  the 
enterprise  in  wliich  he  was  engaged  ;  for,  unlike  his  com- 
panions, he  had  the  responsibility  of  advising,  as  well  as 
that  of  execution,  on  his  head.  He  had,  therefore,  a  rest- 
less wish  to  find  reasons  of  justification  for  what  he  did  ; 
and  as  he  marched  slowly  across  the  meadows,  with  Bercht- 
hold  and  the  smith  at  his  side,  his  tongue  gave  utterance  to 
his  thoughts. 

"There  cannot  be  any  manner  of  duubt  of  the  necessity 
and  justice  of  what  we  do  to  Limburg,  Master  Hinter- 
mayer,"  he  said;  for  men  usually  affirm  in  all  dubiouscases 
with  a  confidence  precisely  in  an  inverse  ratio  to  the  dis- 
trust they  feel  of  the  rectitude  oi  their  cause  : — "else  why 
are  we  here  ?  Is  Limburg  forever  to  trouble  the  valley 
and  the  plain,  with  its  accursed  exactions  and  avarice,  or 
are  we  slaves  for  shaven  monks  to  trample  on  ?" 

"  There  are  sufficient  reasons,  of  a  truth,  for  what  we  do, 
Herr  Burgomaster,"  answered  Berchthold,  whose  mind 
had  taken  a  strong  bias  to  the  new  change  in  religious 
opinions,  that  were  then  fast  gaining groimd.  "When  we 
have  so  good  motives,  let  us  look  no  farther." 

"  Nay,  young  man,  I  am  certain  that  the  honest  smith 
here  will  say,  no  nail  that  lie  drives  into  a  hoof  can  be  too 
well  clenched." 

"  That  fact  is  out  of  all  question.  Master  Berchthold," 
answered  Dietrich,  "and  therefore  must  his  worship  be 
right  in  the  whole  argument." 

"  Let  it  be  so  ;  I  shall  never  gainsay  the  necessity  of 
breaking  up  a  nest  of  drones." 

"I  call  them  not  drones,  voung  Berchthold,  nor  do  I 
come  to  break  them  up  ;  but  simplv  to  show  the  world, 
that  he  who  would  deal  with  the  affairs  of  Duerckheiin, 
hath  need  of  a  lesson  to  teach  him  not  to  enter  his  neigh- 
bor's grounds." 

"This  is  wholesome,  and  will  bring  great  credit  on  our 
town  !  "   responded  the  smith.     "  The   more  the  pity  that 


222  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

we  do  not  press  the  same  matter  home  upon  tlie  Elector  too, 
who  hath  of  late  raised  new  pretensions  to  our  earnings." 

"  With  the  Elector  the  affair  may  not  be  discussed,  for 
his  interference  is  of  too  strong  a  quality  to  call  upon  our 
manhood  in  maintaining  the  right  of  non-interference. 
These  subtle  questions  of  law  are  not  to  be  learned  over  a 
furnace,  but  need  nice  capacities  to  render  them  clear  ; 
but  clear  they  are, — to  all  who  have  the  power  to  under- 
stand them.  It  is  more  than  probable,  that  to  thee,  Diet- 
rich, they  are  not  so  manifest  ;  but  wert  thou  one  of  the 
town  council,  thou  shouldst  look  into  the  question  with 
different  eyes." 

"  That  I  doubt  not,  honorable  Heinrich,  tliat  I  doubt 
not.  Could  but  such  an  honor  light  on  one  of  my  name 
and  breeding — Himmcl  !  the  worshipful  council  should 
find  a  man  ready  to  believe  any  nicety  of  this  sort,  or  in- 
deed of  any  other  sort  !  " 

*'  Ha  !  There  is  a  light  at  yonder  loop  ! "  exclaimed 
Berchthold.     "This  bodes  well." 

"  Hast  a  friend  in  the  Abbey  ?  " 

"  Go  to,  Herr  Burgomaster — This  touches  on  excommu- 
nication ; — but  I  much  like  yon  Uglit  at  the  loop  !" 

"Let  there  be  silence,"  whispered  Heinrich  to  those  in 
liis  rear,  who  passed  the  order  to  their  fellows.  "  We 
draw  near." 

The  party  was  now  at  the  foot  of  the  hill.  Not  a  sign 
of  their  approach  being  known  had  yet  met  them  ;  unless 
a  single  taper  placed  at  a  dungeon-loop  could  thus  be  in- 
terpreted. On  the  contrary,  the  stillness  ah-eady  described 
in  the  approach  of  Ulrike,  reigned  over  the  whole  of  the 
vast  pile.  But,  neither  Heinrich  nor  his  companion  liked 
this  fearful  quiet,  for  it  boded  a  defence  the  more  serious 
when  it  did  come.  They  would  have  greatly  preferred  an 
open  resistance,  and  nothing  would  have  more  relieved  the 
minds  of  the  two  leaders,  than  to  have  been  able  to  com- 
mand a  rush,  under  a  \\o\.  discharge  from  the  arquebusiers 
of  Duke  Friedrich.  But  this  relief  was  refused  them,  and 
the  whole  band  reached  a  point  of  the  hill,  under  a  flank- 
ing tower,  where  it  became  necessary  to  abandon  all  idea 
of  cover,  and  to  make  a  swift  movement,  to  gain  the  road. 
It  was  the  rush  of  this  evolution  which  first  disturbed  the 
monks  in  the  chapel.  The  second  interruption  proceeded 
from  the  ruder  sounds  of  the  assault,  that  immediately  after 
was  made  upon  the  outer  gate,  itself. 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  2.2.^ 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

"  I'll  never 
Be  such  .1  ghostling  to  obey  instinct,  but  stand 
As  if  a  man  were  author  of  himself, 
And  knew  no  other  line." — Coriolanus. 

The  assailants,  as  has  been  seen,  were  led  by  the  Burgo- 
master, and  his  two  lieutenants,  Berchthold  and  the  smith. 
Close  at  the  heels  of  tiie  latter  followed  three  of  his  own 
journeymen,  each,  like  his  master,  armed  with  a  massive 
sledge.  No  sooner  did  the  party  reach  the  gate,  than 
these  artisans  commenced  the  duty  of  pioneers,  with  great 
readiness  and  skill.  At  the  third  blow,  from  Dietrich's 
brawny  arm,  the  gate  tlew  open,  and  those  in  front  rushed 
into  the  court. 

"  Who  art  thou  ?  "  cried  Berchthold,  seizing  a  man  who 
knelt  with  a  knee  on  another's  breast,  immediately  across 
his  passage  ;  "  speak,  for  this  is  not  a  moment  of  trifling  !  " 

"  Master  Forester,  be  less  liot,  and  remember  thy  friends. 
Dost  not  see  it  is  Gottlob,  that  holdeth  the  convent  porter, 
lest  the  knave  should  use  the  additional  bars  ?  There  arc 
strangers  within,  and,  to  consult  his  ease,  the  faithless  var- 
let  hath  not  done  his  fastenings  properly,  else  mightest 
thou  have  pounded  till  Duke  Friedrich's  men  were  upon 
thee." 

"  Bravely  done,  foster-brother  !  Thy  signal  vras  seen  and 
counted  in\  ;  but,  since  thou  knowest  the  ways  so  well,  lead 
on,  at  once,  against  the  men-at-arms." 

"  Himmel  !  The  rogues  have  bristly  beards,  well  griz- 
zled with  war,  and  may  not  like  to  have  their  sleep  thus 
suddenly  broken  ;  but  service  must  be  done — Choose  the 
most  godly  of  thy  followers,  worshipful  Burgomaster,  to  go 
against  the  monks,  who  are  fortified  in  their  choir,  and  well 
armed  with  prayer  ;  while  I  will  lead  the  more  carnal  to 
another  sort  of  work  against  the  Elector's  people." 

While  this  short  dialogue  had  place,  the  whole  of  the  as- 
sailants poured  through  the  gate,  their  officers  endeavoring 
t(j  maintain  something  like  order  among  the  ill-trained 
band.  All  felt  the  imperious  necessity  of  first  disposing  of 
the  troops  ;  for  as  resj)ects  tlie  monks  lliemselves,  there 
was  certainly  no  cause  of  immediate  apprehension.     A  few 


224  THE   IJEIDENMAUER. 

were  left,  therefore,  to  gunrd  the  gate,  while  Heinrich, 
guided  by  the  cow-herd,  led  his  followers  toward  the  build- 
ings where  the  men-at-arms  were  known  to  lodge. 

If  we  were  to  say  that  the  party  advanced  to  this  attack 
without  concern,  we  should  overrate  their  valor,  and  do  the 
reputation  of  the  Elector's  men  injustice.  There  was  sacri- 
lege in  the  invasion  of  the  convent,  according  to  the  pre- 
dominant opinions  of  the  age  ;  for  though  Protestantism 
had  made  great  progress,  even  reformers  had  grievous 
doubts  in  severing  the  bonds  of  habit  and  long-established 
prejudices.  To  this  lurking  sentiment  was  added  the  un- 
accountable silence  that  still  reigned  among  the  men-at- 
arms,  who,  as  Gottlob  had  said,  were  known  to  be  excel- 
lent soldiers  at  need.  They  lay  in  the  rear  of  the  Abbot's 
dwelling,  and  were  sufficiently  intrenched  behind  walls, 
and  among  the  gardens,  to  make  a  fierce  resistance. 

But  all  these  considerations  rather  flashed  upon  the 
minds  of  the  lenders,  than  they  were  maturely  weighed. 
In  the  moment  of  assault  there  is  little  leisure  for  thought, 
especially  when  the  affair  gets  to  be  as  far  advanced  as  this 
we  are  now  describing.  The  men  rushed  toward  the  point 
of  attack,  accordingly,  beset  by  misgivings  rather  than  en- 
tertaining any  very  clear  ideas  of  the  dangers  they  ran. 

Gottlob  had  evidently  made  the  best  of  the  time  he  had 
been  at  liberty  in  the  Abbey,  to  render  himself  master  of 
the  intricate  windings  of  the  different  passages.  He  was 
soon  at  the  door  of  the  Abbot's  abode,  which  was  dashed 
into  splinters  by  a  single  blow  of  Dietrich's  sledge,  when 
there  poured  a  stream  of  reckless,  and  we  may  add  lawless, 
soldiery  through  the  empty  apartments.  In  another  mo- 
ment, the  whole  of  the  assailants  were  in  the  grounds,  in 
the  rear  of  this  portion  of  the  dwellings. 

As  there  is  nothing  that  more  powerfully  rebukes  vio- 
lence than  a  calm  firmness,  so  is  there  nothing  so  appalling 
to  or  so  likely  to  repulse  an  assault,  as  a  coolness  that 
seems  to  set  the  onset  at  defiance.  In  such  moments,  the 
imagination  is  apt  to  become  more  formidable  than  the 
missiles  of  an  enemy  ;  conjuring  dangers  in  the  place  of  those 
which,  in  the  ordinary  course  of  warfare,  might  be  lightly 
estimated,  were  they  seen.  Every  one  knows  that  the 
moment  which  precedes  the  shock  of  battle  is  by  far  the 
most  trying  to  the  constancy  of  man,  and  a  reservation  of 
the  means  of  resistance  is  prolonging  that  moment,  and  of 
course  increasing  its  influence. 


THE  IIEIDENMAUER.  225 

Every  man  among  the  hostile  band,  even  to  the  leaders, 
felt  the  influence  of  this  mysLenous  quiet  among  the  troops 
of  the  Elector.  So  imposing  in  fact  did  it  become,  that 
they  halted  in  a  group,  a  position  of  all  others  most  likely 
to  expose  them  to  defeat, — and  there  was  a  low  rumor  of 
mines  and  ambuscades. 

Berchthold  perceived  that  the  moment  was  critical,  and 
that  there  was  imminent  danger  of  defeat. 

"  Follow  !  "  he  cried,  waving  his  sword,  and  springing 
toward  the  silent  buildings  in  which  it  was  known  the 
men-at-arms  were  quartered.  He  was  valiantly  seconded 
by  the  Burgomaster  and  the  smith,  when  the  whole  party 
resumed  its  courage,  and  advanced  tumultuously  against 
the  doors  and  windows.  The  sounds  of  the  sledges  and 
the  yielding  of  bars  and  bolts  came  next ;  after  which 
the  rush  penetrated  to  the  interior.  The  cries  of  the  as- 
sailants rang  among  empty  vaults.  There  was  the  straw, 
the  remnants  of  food,  the  odor  of  past  debauches,  and  all 
the  usual  disgusting  signs  of  ill-regulated  barracks  ;  for 
in  that  day,  neatness  and  method  did  not  descend  far  be- 
low the  condition  of  the  affluent ;  but  no  cry  answered  cry, 
no  sword  or  arquebuse  w\as  raised  to  meet  the  blow  of  the 
invader.  Stupor  was  the  flrst  feeling,  on  gaining  the 
knowledge  of  tliis  important  fact.  Then  Heinrich  and 
Berchthold  both  issued  orders  to  bring  the  captured 
porter,  who  was  in  the  centre  of  the  assailants,  before 
them. 

"  Explain  this,"  said  tlie  BurgoiTiaster,  authoritatively  ; 
"  wliat  hatli  become  of  Duke  Friedrich's  followers  ?  " 

"  They  departed  at  the  turn  of  the  night,  worshipful 
Herr,  leaving  Limburg  to  the  care  of  its  patron  saint." 

"  Gone  !  whither,  and  in  what  manner  ? — If  thou  deceiv- 
cst  me,  knave,  thy  saint  Benedict  himself  shall  not  save 
thee  from  a  flaying  !  " 

"  I  pray  you  be  not  angered,  great  magistrate,  for  I  say 
nothing  but  truth.  There  came  an  order  from  tlie  Elector, 
as  tlie  Sim  set,  recalling  his  meanest  warrior;  for,  it  is  said, 
he  is  sore  pressed,  and  hath  great  need  of  succor." 

Tlie  silence  which  followed  this  explanation  was  suc- 
ceeded by  a  shout,  and  individuals  began  to  steal  eagerly 
away  from  the  main  body,  bent  on  their  own  designs  of 
pillage. 

''  What  road  took  the  Duke's  men  ?  " 

"Worshipful   Heinrich,  they  went  down  by  the  horsc' 

15 


226  l^HE  HEIDENMAUER. 

path,  in  great  secrecy  and  order,  and  passed  up  the  oppo* 
site  mountain,  in  order  to  escape  troubling  the  townsmen 
to  open  the  gates  at  that  late  hour.  It  was  their  intention 
to  cross  the  cedars  of  the  Heidenmauer,  and,  descending 
on  the  other  side  of  the  camp,  to  gain  the  plain  in  the  rear 
of  Duerckheim." 

There  no  longer  remained  a  doubt  that  the  conquest 
was  achieved,  and  the  entire  party  broke  off  in  bands  ; 
some  to  execute  their  private  orders,  and  others,  like  those 
who  had  already  proved  delinquent,  to  look  after  their  own 
particular  interests. 

Until  this  moment  not  a  solitary  straggler  had  gone  near 
the  chapel.  As  it  was  not  the  wish  of  those  who  had 
planned  the  assault  to  do  personal  injury  to  any  of  the  fra- 
ternity, the  orders  had  been  so  worded  as  to  leave  this  por- 
tion of  the  Abbey  for  a  time  unvisited,  in  the  expectation 
that  the  monks  would  profit  by  the  omission,  to  escape  by 
some  of  the  many  private  posterns  that  communicated  with 
the  cloisters.  But,  as  there  no  longer  was  an  armed  en- 
emy to  subdue,  it  now  became  necessary  to  tliink  of  the 
fraternity.  The  process  of  sacking  their  dormitories  was 
already  far  advanced,  and  the  bursts  of  exultation  that  be- 
gan to  issue  from  the  buildings,  announced  that  the  rich 
and  commodious  dwelling  of  the  Abbot  himself  was  un- 
dergoing a  similar  summary  process. 

"  Himmel !  "  muttered  Gottlob,  who  from  the  moment  of 
his  liberation  had  not  quitted  the  side  of  his  foster-brother  ; 
"our  castle  rogues  are  taking  deep  looks  into  the  books 
of  the  most  reverend  Bonifacius,  Master  Berchthold  !  It 
were  good  to  tell  them  which  are  Latin,  at  least,  lest 
they  burthen  their  shoulders  with  learning  they  can  never 
use." 

"Let  the  knaves  plunder,"  replied  Heinrich,  gruffly; 
"  as  much  evil  as  good  hath  come  from  that  store  of 
letters,  and  it  will  be  all  the  better  for  Duerckheim,  were 
the  damnable  ammunition  of  the  Benedictines  a  little  less 
plenty.  There  are  those  on  the  plains  who  doubt  that 
necromancy  is  bound  up  in  some  of  the  volumes  that  bear 
a  saint's  name  on  their  backs." 

Perhaps  Berchthold  might  have  remonstrated,  had  not 
his  instinct  told  him,  that  remonstrance  on  such  a  subject, 
in  that  moment  of  riot  and  confusion,  would  have  been 
worse  than  useless.  The  consequence  was,  that  valuable 
works  and   numerous  manuscripts,  which  had  been  col- 


\ 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  227 

lectcd  during  centuries  of  learned  ease,  were  abandoned  to 
the  humor  of  men  incapable  of  estimating  their  value,  or 
even  of  understanding  their  objects. 

"Let  us  to  the  monks,"  said  Heinrich,  sheathing  his 
heavy  blade,  for  the  first  time  since  they  had  quitted  the 
wood.  "  Friend  smith,  thou  wilt  look  to  the  duties  here, 
and  see  that  what  is  done  is  done  thoroughly.  Remem- 
ber that  thy  metal  is  well  heated,  and  on  the  anvil,  waiting 
thy  pleasure  ;  it  must  be  beaten  flat,  lest  at  another  day 
it  be  remoulded  into  a  weapon  to  do  us  harm.  Go  to, 
Dietrich  ;  thou  knowest  what  we  of  the  town  would  have, 
and  what  we  expect  of  thy  skill." 

Taking  Berchthold  by  the  arm,  the  Burgomaster  led  the 
way  toward  that  far-famed  pile,  the  Abbey-church.  They 
were  followed  by  a  body  of  some  twenty  chosen  artisans, 
who,  throughout  the  whole  of  that  eventful  night,  kept 
close  to  the  two  leaders,  like  men  who  had  been  selected 
for  this  particular  duty. 

The  same  ominous  silence  reigned  around  the  chapel  as 
had  rendered  the  approach  to  the  quarters  of  the  men-at- 
arms  imposing.  But  here  tlie  invaders  went  against  a  dif- 
ferent enemy.  With  most  then  living,  the  mysterious 
power  of  the  Church  still  possessed  a  deep  and  fearful  in- 
terest. Dissenters  had  spoken  boldly,  and  the  current  of 
public  opinion  had  begun  to  set  strongly  against  the 
Romish  Church,  in  all  that  region,  it  is  true;  but  it  is  not 
easy  to  eradicate  by  the  mere  efforts  of  reason,  the  deep 
roots  that  are  thrown  out  by  habit  and  sentiment.  At  this 
very  hour,  we  see  nearly  the  entire  civilized  world  com- 
mitting gross  and  evident  wrongs,  and  justifying  its  acts, 
if  we  look  closely  into  its  philosophy,  on  a  plea  little  better 
than  that  of  a  sickly  taste  formed  by  practices  which  in 
themselves  cannot  be  plausibly  vindicated.  The  very 
vicious  effects  of  e\-ery  system  are  quoted  as  arguments  in 
favor  of  its  continuance  ;  for  change  is  tho\ight  to  be,  and 
sometimes  is,  a  greater  evil  than  tlie  existing  wrong  ;  and 
men,  in  millions,  are  doomed  to  continue  degraded,  igno- 
rant, and  brutal,  simply  because  vicious  opinions  refuse 
all  sympathy  with  those  whose  hopeless  lot  it  has  been  to 
liave  fallen,  by  the  adventitious  chances  of  life,  beneath  the 
ban  of  society.  In  this  mannerdtjes  error  beget  error,  until 
even  philoso])hy  and  justice  are  satisfied  with  making 
abortive  attenij)ts  to  j)alli;Ue  a  disease  that  a  l)older  juid 
better  practice  might  radically  cure.     It  will  not  occasioQ 


228  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

surprise,  thccfore,  when  we  say,  that  both  Heinrich  and 
Berchthold  h«»d  heavy  misgivings  concerning  the  merit  of 
their  enterpi/^^e,  as  they  drew  near  the  church.  Perhaps 
no  man  ever  much  preceded  his  age,  without  at  moments 
distrusting  Lis  own  principles  ;  and  it  is  certain,  thai 
Luther  himself  was  often  obliged  to  wrestle  with  harassing 
doubts.  Berchthold  was  less  troubled,  however,  than  his 
companion,  for  he  acted  under  the  orders  of  a  superior, 
nnd  was  both  younger  and  better  taught  than  the  Burgo- 
master. The  first  of  these  facts  was  sufficient  of  itself, 
under  his  habits,  to  remove  a  load  of  responsibility  from 
Ills  shoulders,  while  the  latter  not  only  weakened  the  in- 
fluence of  previous  opinions,  but  caused  those  which  he 
adopted  to  be  well  fortified.  In  short,  there  existed  be- 
tween Heinrich  and  Berchthold  that  sort  of  difference 
which  all  must  have  remarked,  in  the  advancing  age  in 
which  we  live,  between  him  who  has  inherited  his  ideas 
from  generations  that  have  passed,  and  him  wdio  obtains 
them  from  his  contemporaries.  The  young  Forester  had 
grown  into  manhood  since  the  voice  of  the  Reformer  was 
first  heard  in  Germany,  and  as  it  happened  to  be  his  lot 
to  dwell  among  those  who  listened  to  the  new  opinions,  he 
had  imbibed  most  of  their  motives  of  dissent,  without 
ever  having  been  much  subject  to  the  counteracting  in- 
fluence of  an  opposite  persuasion.  It  is  in  this  gradual 
manner,  that  nearly  all  salutary  moral  changes  are  ef- 
fected, since  they  who  first  entertain  them,  are  rarely  able 
to  do  more,  in  their  generation,  than  to  check  the  prog- 
ress of  habit  ;  while  the  duty  of  causing  the  current  to 
flow  backward,  and  to  take  a  new  direction,  devolves  on 
their  successors. 

In  believing  that  Wilhelm  of  Venloo  would  be  foremost 
in  deserting  his  post,  in  this  moment  of  outrage  and  tumult, 
tlic  authors  of  the  assault  did  him  injustice.  Though  little 
likely  to  incur  the  hazards,  or  to  covet  the  honors  of  mar- 
tyrdom, the  masculine  mind  of  the  Abbot  elevated  him 
altogether  above  the  influence  of  any  very  abject  passion  ; 
and  if  he  had  not  self-command  to  curtail  the  appetites,  he 
had  a  dignity  of  intellect  which  rarely  deserts  the  mentally- 
gifted  in  situations  of  difficulty.  When  Heinrich  and 
Berchthold,  therefore,  entered  the  church,  they  found  the 
entire  community  in  the  choir  remaining,  like  Roman 
senators,  to  receive  the  blow  in  their  collective  and  official 
character.    There  might  have  been  artifice,  as  well  as  mag- 


THE   HJIIDENMAUER.  229 

nanimity,  in  the  resolution  which  had  decided  Bonifacius 
to  adopt  this  course  ;  for,  coming  as  they  did  from  the 
scene  of  brutal  violence  without,  those  who  entered  the 
church  were  much  impressed  by  the  quiet  solemnity  which 
met  them. 

The  candles  still  burned  before  the  altar,  the  lamps  threw 
their  flickering  light  on  the  quaint  architecture  and  the 
gorgeous  ornaments  of  the  chapel,  while  every  pale  face 
and  shaven  head  beneath,  looked  like  some  consecrated 
\vatchman,  placed  near  the  shrine  to  protect  it  from  pollu- 
tion. Each  monk  was  in  his  stall,  w4th  the  exception  of 
the  Prior  and  Father  Johan,  who  had  stationed  themselves 
on  the  steps  of  the  altar ;  the  first  as  the  officiating  priest 
of  the  late  mass,  and  the  latter  under  an  impulse  of  his 
governing  and  natural  exaggeration,  which  moved  him  to 
throw  his  person  as  a  shield  before  the  vessel  that  con- 
tained the  Host.  The  Abbot  \vas  on  his  throne,  motionless, 
indisposed  to  yield,  and  haughty,  though  with  features 
that  betrayed  great  r.nd  condensed  passion. 

The  Burgomaster  and  Berchthold  advanced  into  the 
choir  alone,  for  their  followers  remained  in  the  body  of  the 
church,  in  obedience  to  a  sign  from  the  former.  Both 
were  uncovered,  and  while  they  walked  slowly  up  the 
choir,  scarce  a  head  moved.  Every  eye  seemed  riveted,  by 
a  common  spell,  on  the  crucifix  of  precious  stones  and  ivory 
that  stood  upon  the  altar.  The  blood  of  Heinrich  crept 
under  the  influence  of  this  solemn  calm,  and  by  the  time 
he  had  reached  the  steps,  where  he  stood  confronted 
equally  to  the  Abbot  and  the  Prior,  for  the  former  of  whom 
he  had  quite  as  much  fear  as  hatred,  and  for  the  latter  an 
unfeigned  love  and  reverence,  the  resolution  of  the  honest 
Burgomaster  was  sensibly  weakened. 

"Who  art  thou  ?"  demanded  Bonifacius,  admirably  tim- 
ing his  question,  by  the  indecision  and  the  quailing  eye  of 
jiim  he  addressed. 

"  By"St.  Benedict !  my  face  is  no  such  stranger  in  Lim- 
burg  that  you  put  this  question,  most  holy  Abbot,"  an- 
swered Heinrich,  making  an  effort  to  imitate  the  other's 
composure,  that  was  very  sensible  to  himself,  but  better 
concealed  from  otliers  ;  "  though  not  shaven  and  blessed, 
like  a  monk,  I  am  one  well  known  to  most  that  dwell  in  or 
near  Duerckheim  ! " 

**  I  had  better  said,  ^  WJiat  art  thou?'  Thy  name  and 
office  are  known  to  me,  Heinricli  Frey  ;  but  in  what  char- 


230  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

ficter  dost  thou  now  presume  to  enter  Limburg  church, 
and  to  show  this  want  of  reverence  to  our  altars?" 

*'To  speak  thee  fairly,  reverend  Bonifacius,  'tis  in  the 
character  of  the  head-man  of  Duerckheim,  a  much-injured 
and  long-abused  town,  that  is  tired  of  monkish  exactions 
and  monkish  pride,  and  which  hath  at  length  assumed  the 
office  of  doing  itself  justice,  that  I  appear.  We  are  here 
to-night,  not  as  peaceful  citizens  bent  on  prayers  and 
hymn-singing,  but  armed,  as  thou  seest,  and  bold  in  the 
intention  to  do  away  a  nuisance  from  the  neighborhood 
forever." 

*'Thy  words  are  as  little  friendly  as  thy  guise,  and  what 
thou  sayest  here  but  too  well  answers  to  that  which  thy 
rude  followers  perform  beyond  the  walls  of  this  conse- 
crated spot.  Hast  thou  well  pondered  on  this  bold  step  of 
thy  town,  Herr  Heinrich  ?  " 

"  If  often  pondering  be  well  pondering,  it  hath  been  be- 
fore us,  Bonifacius,  at  different  meetings,  and  in  various 
discussions,  any  time  this  year  past." 

"  And  hast  thou  no  dread  of  Rome  ?  " 

"That  is  an  authority  which  lessens  daily  in  this  region, 
holy  Benedictine.  Not  to  deal  doubly  by  thee,  of  tlie  two 
we  have  most  distrusted  the  anger  of  Duke  Friedrich  ;  but 
that  fear  is  diminished  by  the  certainty  that  he  hath  so 
much  on  his  hands  just  now  that  his  thoughts  cannot  easi- 
ly turn  to  other  affairs.  We  did  not  know,  in  sooth,  that 
he  had  recalled  his  men-at-arms,  but  had  counted  on  some 
angry  discussion  with  those  obstinate  warriors  ;  and  thou 
wilt  easily  comprehend  that  their  absence  hath,  in  no  man- 
ner, lessened  our  faith  in  our  own  cause." 

"  The  Elector  may  regain  his  power,  when  a  day  of 
reckoning  will  come  for  those  who  have  dared  to  profit  by 
his  present  distress." 

"  We  are  traders  and  artisans,  good  Bonifacius,  and 
have  made  our  estimates  with  some  nicety.  If  the  Abbey 
must  be  paid  for — an  event  by  no  means  certain — we  shall 
count  the  bargain  profitable  so  long  as  it  cannot  be  re- 
built. Brother  Luther,  we  think,  is  laying  a  corner-stone 
that  will  prevent  the  devil  from  ever  attempting  to  set  up 
that  which  we  now  propose  to  throw  down." 

**  This  is  thy  final  answer.  Burgomaster?" 

"Nay,  I  say  not  that,  Abbot.  Send  in  thy  terms  to  the 
town-council  to-morrow,  and,  if  we  can  entertain  them,  it 
may  happen  that  a  present  accommodation  shall  stop  all 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  231 

further  claims.  But  what  has  here  been  so  happily  com« 
nienced,  must  be  as  happily  finished." 

"Then  before  I  quit  these  holy  walls,  hearken  to  my 
malediction,"  returned  Bonifacius,  rising  with  priestly  and 
practised  dignity  ; — *'on  thee  and  on  tliy  town — on  all  that 
call  thee  magistrate — parent " 

"  Stay  tlie  dreadful  words  !  "  cried  a  piercing  female 
voice  from  among  the  columns  behind  the  choir.  "  Rever- 
end and  holy  Abbot,  have  mercy  !  "  added  Ulrike,  pale, 
trembling,  and  shaken  equally  with  horror  and  alarm, 
though  her  eye  was  bright  and  wild,  like  that  of  one  sus- 
tained by  more  than  human  purpose  :  "  Holy  Priest,  for- 
bear !  He  knows  not  what  he  does.  Madness  hath  seized 
on  him  and  on  the  town.  They  are  but  tools  in  the  hands 
of  one  more  powerful  than  they." 

At  the  appearance  of  Ulrike,  Bonifacius  resumed  his 
seat,  disposed  to  await  the  effect  of  her  appeal. 

"  Thou  here  !  "  said  Heinrich,  regarding  his  wife  with 
surprise,  but  entirely  without  anger  or  suspicion. 

''  Happily  here,  to  avert  this  fearful  crime  from  thee  and 
thy  household." 

"  I  had  thought  thee  at  thy  prayers  with  the  poor  Herr 
von  Ritterstein,  in  his  comfortless  hermitage  of  the  Heiden- 
mauer  I " 

''  And  canst  thou  think  of  the  deed  which  hath  driven 
the  Herr  Odo  to  this  penitence  and  suffering,  and  stand 
here  armed  and  desperate  I  Thou  seest  that  years  do  not 
suffice  to  relieve  a  soul  on  which  the  weight  of  sacrilege 
rests  ;  oh  !  hadst  thou  been  with  me,  to  witness  the  agony 
that  preyed  upon  poor  Odo,  as  he  knelt  at  yonder  step, 
listening  to  the  mass  tliat  liath  this  niglit  been  said  in  his 
behalf,  thou  mightest  better  know  how  deep  is  the  wound 
made  on  the  heart  that  hath  been  seared  by  God's  anger !  " 

"This  is  most  strange!"  rejoined  the  wondering  Burgo- 
master ;  "  that  those  whom  I  had  hoped  well  disposed  of, 
and  that  in  a  manner  neither  to  suspect  nor  to  trouble  our 
enterprise,  slunild  cross  us  at  the  moment  when  all  is  so 
near  completion  !  Sapperment !  young  Berchthold,  thou 
seest  in  what  manner  matrimony  clogs  the  stoutest  of  us, 
th(jugh  girded  with  the  sw(jrd." 

"And  thou,  Berchthold  Hintermayer,  son  of  my  dearest 
friend — child  of  my  fondest  hop(^, — tlnHi  comest,  too,  on 
this  unlioly  errand,  Hke  the  midnight  rubber,  stealing  upon 
the  unarmed  and  cuuhccrated  !  " 


232  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

"  None  love,  or  none  reverence  thee,  more  than  I,  Mad- 
ame Ulrike,"  answered  the  youtli,  bowing  with  sincere 
respect  ;  "  but  wert  thou  to  address  thy  speech  to  the  Herr 
Ileinrich,  it  would  go  at  once  to  him  who  directs  our  move- 
ments." 

"  Then  on  thee.  Burgomaster,  will  be  thrown  the  heavi- 
est load  of  Heaven's  displeasure,  as  on  the  leader  of  the 
outrage.  What  matters  it  that  the  Benedictines  are  grasp- 
ing, or  overweening  in  their  respect  for  themselves,  or  that 
some  among  them  have  forgotten  their  vows  ?  Is  not  this 
temple  devoted  to  God  ?  Are  not  these  His  altars,  before 
which  thou  hast  dared  to  come,  with  a  hostile  heart  and 
an  angry  purpose  ? " 

"  Go  to,  good  Ulrike,"  returned  Heinrich,  saluting  the 
cold  but  ever  handsome  cheek  of  his  wife,  who  leaned  her 
head  on  his  shoulder  to  recall  her  faculties,  while  she 
firmly  held  his  hand  with  both  her  own,  as  if  to  stay  his 
acts  ;  *'  Go  to,  thou  art  excellent  in  thy  way,  but  what  can 
thy  sex  know  of  policy  ?  This  matter  hath  been  had  up 
before  many  (Councils  ;  and — by  my  beard  ! — tongue  of 
woman  cannot  shake  the  resolutions  of  Duerckheim.  Go, 
depart  with  thy  nurse,  and  leave  us  to  do  our  pleasure." 

*'  Is  it  thy  pleasure,  Heinrich,  to  brave  Heaven  ?  Dost 
thou  not  know,  that  the  crimes  of  the  parent  are  visited  on 
the  child— that  the  wrong  done  to-day,  however  we  may 
triumph  in  present  success,  is  sure  to  revisit  us  in  the 
dread  shape  of  punishment  ?  Were  there  no  other  power 
than  conscience,  so  long  as  that  fearful  scourge  remains 
on  earth,  'tis  vain  to  expect  immunity.  Dost  thou  owe  all 
'to  thy  Duerckheim  council  and  its  selfish  policy?  Hast 
thou  forgotten  the  hour  that  my  pious  parents  gave  thee 
my  hand,  and  the  manner  in  which  thou  then  plighted  thy 
faith  to  protect  me  and  mine,  to  assume  the  place  of  these 
departed  friends,  to  be  father,  and  mother,  and  husband, 
to  her  thou  took  to  thy  bosom  ?  Is  Meta — that  child  of 
our  mutual  esteem — naught,  that  thou  triflest  with  her 
peace  and  hopes  ?  Lay  aside,  then,  these  hasty  intentions, 
and  turn  thy  mind  to  thine  own  abode  ;  bethink  thee  of 
those  whom  nature  and  the  law  condemn  to  suffer  for  thy 
faults,  or  to  whom  both  have  given  the  dearer  right  to  re- 
joice in  thy  clemency  and  mercy." 

"Was  ever  woman  so  bent  on  crossing  the  noble  duties 
of  man  ! "  said  the  Burgomaster,  who,  spite  of  himself, 
had  been  sensibly  moved  by  this  hasty  and  comprehensive 


I 


rilE   HEIDENMAUER,  233 

picture  of  his  domestic  duties,  and  who  was  greatly 
troubled  to  find  the  means  of  extricating  himself  from  the 
position  in  which  he  stood. — "  Thou  art  better  in  thy 
chamber,  good  Ulrike.  Meta  will  hear  of  this  onset,  and 
have  her  fears. — Go  then,  and  calm  the  child  ;  thou  shalt 
have  such  escort  as  bccometh  my  quality  and  thy  de- 
serts." 

"  Berchthold,  I  make  the  last  appeal  to  thee.  This  cruel 
father,  this  negligent  husband,  is  too  madly  bent  on  his 
council,  and  o\\  the  wild  policy  of  the  town,  to  remember 
God  !  But  thou  hast  young  hopes,  and  sentiments  that 
become  thy  vears  and  virtue.  Dost  think,  rash  boy,  that 
one  like  Meta  will  dare  trust  the  last  chance  of  happiness 
to  a  participator  in  this  crime,  when  such  an  inheritance 
of  guilt  will  be  the  portion  that  shall  descend  from  her 
ovvm  father  ? " 

A  stir  among  the  monks,  who  had  hitherto  listened  with 
an  attention  that  vacillated  between  hope  and  fear,  inter- 
rupted the  answers  of  the  wavering  Burgomaster  and  his 
young  companion.  The  movement  was  caused  by  the  en- 
trance of  the  group,  which,  luitil  now,  had  stood  aloof  in 
the  obscurity  of  the  great  aisle,  but  which  seized  the  mo- 
ment of  doubt  to  advance  into  the  centre  of  the  choir. 
One,  closely  muffled,  walked  from  out  its  centre,  and 
throwing  aside  the  cloak  that  had  concealed  his  form, 
showed  the  armed  person  of  Emich  of  Leiningen.  The 
moment  Ulrike  recognized  the  unbending  eye  of  the 
Baron,  she  buried  her  face  in  her  hands,  and  quitted  the 
place.  She  went  not  unattended,  however,  for  both  her 
husband  and  Berchthold  followed  anxiously  ;  nor  did 
cither  return  to  the  work  of  the  night,  until  he  had  seen 
the  heart-stricken  wife  and  mcjther  luider  the  protection  of 
a  well-chosen  company  of  the  townsmen. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


"He,  who  the  sword  of  heaven  will  bear, 

Should  be  as  holy  as  severe — "  AFcasiirc  for  ATeasitre. 

The  first  glances  between  Emich  and  Bonifacius  were 
filled  with  those  passions  which  each  had  so  long  dis- 
sembled, and  of  which  the  reader  has  already  had  glimi> 


234  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

ses  during  the  more  unguarded  moments  of  the  recent 
debauch.  In  the  eyes  of  the  Count,  triumph  mingled 
with  liatred  ;  while  there  still  remained  a  slight  covering 
of  artifice  and  caution  about  the  lineaments  of  the  Abbot, 
masks  that  he  scarcely  thought  it  yet  expedient  to  throw 
entirely  aside. 

*'We  owe  this  visit,  then,  to  thee,  Herr  Emich  ? "  said 
the  hitter,  struggling  to  appear  calm. 

"And  to  thine  owm  desert,  most  holy  Bonifacius." 

"  What  wouldst  thou,  audacious  Baron  ?" 

"  Peace  in  this  oft-violated  valley — humility  in  shaven 
crowns — religion  without  hypocrisy — and  mine  own." 

"I  will  not  talk  to  thee  of  Heaven,  bold  man,  for  the 
word  were  blasphemy  in  such  a  presence  ;  but  thou  art  not 
vet  so  lost  to  worldly  policy  as  to  overlook  the  punishment 
of  the  empire.  Hast  thou  well  counted  thy  gold,  and  art 
thou  sure  thy  coffers  are  sufficiently  stored  to  rebuild  the 
sainted  pile  which  thy  hand  would  fain  destroy — or  dost 
think  thy  riches  can  replace  all  that  pious  princes  have 
here  bestow^ed,  during  ages  in  which  the  Church  hath  been 
duly  reverenced  ?  " 

"  As  to  thy  vessels  and  precious  stones,  reverend  Abbot, 
it  shall  be  my  heed  to  preserve  them  to  meet  this  demand, 
which  haply  may  never  be  made  ;  and  as  to  the  cost  of 
rebuilding  the  Abbey,  why,  the  same  notable  workman 
that  helped  first  to  set  it  up,  will  owe  me  a  good  turn  for 
punishing  those  that  outwitted  him,  and  sent  him  away 
without  the  promised  boon  of  souls.  Though,  God's  truth  ! 
w^ere  the  fact  fairly  dived  into,  I  am  of  opinion  that  Lim- 
burg,  after  all,  hath  sent  more  customers  to  his  furnaces 
than  all  the  drink ing-inns  and  pot-houses  of  the  Palati- 
nate ! " 

This  sally  of  their  lord  produced  a  general  and  derid- 
ing laugh  among  his  followers,  who  now  began  to  flock 
into  the  church  from  other  parts  of  the  Abbey,  with  the  ex- 
pectation that  there  was  rich  plunder  to  be  had  in  the  sanc- 
tuary. It  was  about  this  time,  too,  that  a  brand  was  cast 
among  the  straw  of  the  barracks,  and  the  strong  light 
which  glared  through  the  stained  window^s  very  effect- 
ually told  the  monks  of  the  inefficiency  of  further  remon- 
strances. 

Notwithstanding  his  known  licentiousness,  and  the  gen- 
eral freedom  of  his  life,  the  Abbot  had  imbibed  from  the 
high  objects  of  his  calling,  by  that  secret  process  that  ren- 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  235 

ders  even  the  least  deserving  in  some  measure  subject  to 
the  influence  of  their  professions,  a.  cast  of  dignity,  and 
perhaps  wc  might  add  even  of  sincerity  (for  there  is  often 
a  strange  admixture  of  inherent  faith  and  practical  unbe- 
lief about  the  dissolute)  that  caused  him  frequently  to  rise 
to  the  level  of  his  most  solemn  duties.  A  character  strong 
and  masculine  as  his  could  not  be  aroused  without  dis- 
playing some  of  its  latent  energies,  be  it  for  good  or  be  it 
for  evil  ;  and  Emich  had  doubts  of  the  result  when  he 
witnessed  the  manner  in  which  his  enemy  succeeded  in  re- 
pressing his  fierce  resentment,  and  the  expression  of  cleri- 
cal dignity  and  official  calmness  that  reigned  in  his  coun- 
tenance. The  Abbot  arose,  like  a  prelate  in  the  undis- 
turbed exercise  of  his  functions,  and  raising  his  voice,  so 
as  to  send  his  words  to  the  deepest  recesses  of  the  chapel, 
he  spoke  after  the  manner  of  the  peculiar  rites  of  the 
Church  he  served. 

"  God,  in  his  hidden  wisdom,  hath  permitted  to  the 
wicked  a  momentary  triumph,"  he  said;  "we  search  not 
now  into  the  reasons  of  this  mysterious  dispensation  ;  the 
truth  will  be  known  in  His  own  time  : — but,  as  servitors  of 
the  altar — as  guardians  of  this  holy  sanctuary — as  the 
sworn  and  professed  of  Heaven — as  one  consecrated  and 
blessed — there  remaineth  a  solemn,  an  imperative  duty  to 
perform." 

"  Bonifacius,  beware  ! "  interrupted  the  Count  of  Lein- 
ingen  ;  "  thou  dealest  not  now  with  burgomasters  and  weep- 
ing wives." 

"In  the  behalf,  then,  of  that  God  to  whom  this  shrine 
hath  been  raised,"  continued  the  unmoved  Abbot,  "  in  His 
holy  interest,  and  in  His  holy  name^ " 

"  At  thy  peril,  priest  !  "  and  Emich  shook,  partly  in 
anger,  and  partly  in  a  terror  he  could  scarce  explain. 

"  As  his  unworthy  but  necessary  minister — as  consecra- 
ted and  blessed — gifted  with  the  power  by  the  head  of  the 
Church,  and  now  required  to  use  it,  do  I  pronounce 
thee " 

"Where  arc  ye,  followers  of  Hartenburg?  Down  with 
the  silly  maledictions  of  this  mad  monk  ;  remember  ye  are 
not  trembling  women,  to  need  a   Benedictine's  blessing  !" 

The  voice  of  Emich  was  drowned,  as  well  as  that  of  the 
Abbot,  by  the  noises  that  were  now  raised  in  the  chapel. 
The  first  interruption  came  from  a  long  dark  instrument, 
that  was  thrust  frum  out  of  the  aisle  behind  the  throne  of 


236  THE   HETDENMAUER. 

Bonifaciiis,  and  within  a  few  feet  of  his  head ;  an  interrup- 
tion that  filled  the  whole  edifice  with  the  wild,  plaintive 
strains  of  the  mountains. 

This  signal,  which  came  from  the  cherry-wood  trumpet 
of  Gottlob,  who  rarely  went  abroad  without  this  badge  of 
his  profession,  was  immediately  followed  by  a  general 
shout  from  the  band  of  the  Count,  and  by  a  variety  of  simi- 
lar sounds,  that  were  raised  by  different  instruments  that 
had  hitherto  been  mute.  The  effect  of  these  shrill  strains, 
echoing  among  the  vaulted  and  fretted  roofs,  which  were 
brightly  illuminated  by  the  growing  and  fierce  light  that 
now  pervaded  the  church,  and  of  the  seeming  calm  of  the 
Abbot,  who  ended  his  malediction,  spite  of  the  uproar,  is 
left  to  the  readers  imagination.  When  he  had  finished 
the  unheard  curse,  Bonifacius  looked  about  him  in  gloomy 
observation. 

It  was  evident  to  his  cool  and  instructed  mind,  which 
was  far  too  earthly  in  its  habits  to  cling  to  any  hopes  of  a 
merely  spiritual  nature,  that  the  outrage  had  already  gone 
so  far,  as  to  render  it  more  hazardous  to  his  enemy  to 
retreat  than  to  advance.  Signing  to  the  community,  he 
descended  slowly,  and  with  dignity,  from  his  throne,  and 
led  the  way  from  the  choir.  The  ready  monks  obeyed,  the 
fraternity  walking  from  that  extraordinary  scene,  in  their 
customary  silent  order.  Emich  followed  the  dark  proces- 
sion with  a  troubled  eye,  for  even  the  conqueror  regards 
the  calm  retreat  of  his  foes  wnth  uneasiness,  and  there  was 
an  instant  of  painful  distrust  of  his  own  purpose,  as  the 
last  flowing  robe  vanished  through  a  private  door  that  led 
to  a  secret  postern,  by  which  the  routed  Benedictines  quit- 
ted a  mountain,  where  they  had  so  long  dwelt  in  the  calm, 
and,  we  might  add,  in  the  ease,  of  an  affluent  and  privi- 
lesred  seclusion. 

The  invaders  of  the  Abbey  took  this  open  abandonment 
of  the  place  by  its  ancient  possessors,  to  be  an  unequivocal 
admission  of  their  triumph.  There  is  no  moment  so  likely  to 
produce  excesses  as  that  in  which  the  uncertainty  of  strife 
is  changed  to  the  certainty  of  victory.  The  feelings  seem 
willing  to  avenge  themselves  for  all  their  previous  doubts, 
and  man  is  ever  too  ready  to  ascribe  his  successes  to  some 
inherent  qualities,  which  give  him  an  apparent  right  to 
abuse  any  advantages  that  may  happen  to  be  their  conse- 
quence. The  band  of  the  castle  and  the  people  of  the 
town,  among  whom  a  large  proportion  had  to  the  last  dis- 


THE   HEIDEA'MAUER.  237 

trusted  the  presence  of  the  community,  to  which  vuli:^ar 
opinion  attributed  the  power  of  working  miracles,  no  sooner 
found  themseh'es,  ns  they  believed,  in  undisputed  posses- 
sion  of  the  mountain,  than  tlie  reaction  of  feeling,  towhicli 
there  has  just  been  allusion,  urged  them  to  increase  their 
violence,  and  to  redouble  those  efforts  which  had  momcn 
tarily  been  checked. 

A  shout  of  triumph  was  the  common  signal  for  renew- 
ing the  assault.  It  was  followed  by  the  crashing  of  win- 
dows, and  the  overthrow  of  every  fixture  in  the  body  of  the 
church  that  was  not  too  solid  to  resist  their  first  and  ill- 
directed  efforts,  and  a  general  mutilation  of  the  monuments 
and  labored  statuary.  Marble  cherubs  fell  on  every  side, 
wings  and  limbs  of  angels  separated  from  the  trunks,  and 
the  grave  and  bearded  visages  of  many  an  honored  saint 
were  doomed  to  endure  contumely  and  fractures.  Even 
the  inferior  altars  were  no  longer  respected,  but  they  and 
their  decorations  were  ruthlessly  scattered,  as  if  the  enmity 
of  the  conquerors  was  transferred  from  those  who  had  ad- 
ministered at  them,  to  the  dreaded  Being  in  whose  name 
the  rites  had  been  celebrated. 

The  reader  will  imagine  the  confusion  and  tumult  that 
attended  a  scene  like  this.  During  the  uproar,  Emich  bur- 
ied his  face  in  his  mantle,  and  paced  to  and  fro  in  the  choir, 
which  his  presence,  and  perhaps  some  lingering  rever- 
ence for  the  sacred  spot,  still  preserved  from  violence. 
He  was  joined  only  by  the  Burgomaster  and  Berchthold, 
the  remainder  of  the  party  having  mingled  with  thcjse 
who  were  destroying  the  chapels  and  decorations  of  the 
church.  Ileinrich  seated  himself  in  one  of  the  vacant 
stalls,  for  the  recent  scene  and  the  subsequent  parting  with 
his  wife  had  shaken  his  resolution  ;  while  the  young  For- 
ester advanced  respectfully  t(j  the  side  of  his  lord. 

"Is  the  rierr  C<junt  troubled?"  demanded  the  latter, 
after  a  moment  of  deferential  silence. 

I£mich  dropped  the  cloak,  and  leaning  a  hand  familiarly 
on  the  shoulder  of  his  young  servitor,  he  stood  regarding 
the  gorgeous  riches  and  elaborate  beauty  of  the  high  altar, 
all  of  which  was  rendered  doubly  imposing  by  the  power- 
ful light  that  now  illuminated  the  whole  interior  of  the 
edifice,  which  was  never  more  beautiful  than  as  then  seen, 
with  its  strong  relief  and  dei.'p  shadows. 

"  Berchtliold,  there  is  a  God  !  "  he  said  with  emphasis. 

"  None  but  the  fool  doubts  it,  Ilerr  Emich." 


238  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

"And  he  hath  His  ministers  on  earth — those  whom  He 
hath  commissioned  to  do  Him  pleasure,  and  to  burn  Flis 
incense." 

"We  have  high  authority  for  this  belief,  my  good  Lord." 

"We  have — the  authority  is  high,  that  hath  so  much 
antiquity — v^hich  so  suits  our  secret  desires — which  de- 
scends to  us  from  our  fathers." 

"And  which  is  so  supported  by  proofs,  sacred  and  pro- 
fane." 

"Thou  nast  been  well  schooled,  good  Berchthold," 
said  the  Count,  looking  earnestly  at  his  companion. 

"  Heaven  left  me  a  pious  and  tender  mother,  when  it 
took  my  father  away." 

Emich  continued  to  lean  on  the  shoulder  of  Bercht- 
hold, while  his  eye,  in  which  sternness  of  purpose  Avas  sin- 
gularly blended  with  the  waverings  of  doubt,  never  turned 
from  its  contemplation  of  the  altar.  Above  the  chased' and 
gilded  cabinet  which  contained  the  host,  was  a  small  pict- 
ure of  the  Mother  of  Christ,  delineated  in  those  mild  and 
attractive  colors  with  w^hich  the  pencil  is  accustomed  to 
portray  the  Virgin  Wife  of  Joseph.  Her  eye  seemed  to 
meet  the  gaze  of  Emich  in  sorrow.  It  was  easy  to  fancy 
the  gentle  expression  was  in  reproacli  of  the  sacrilege. 

"These  Benedictines  are  at  length  unhoused" — he  con- 
tinued, trying  fruitlessly  to  avert  his  look  from  that  mild 
but  expressive  image  ;  "  they  have  too  long  ridden  roughly 
on  their  betters." 

Berchthold  bowed. 

^'  Dost  thou  see  aught  strange,  youth,  in  that  image  of 
Maria?" 

"  'Tis  a  skilful  design,  Herr  Count,  and  a  fair  face  to  re- 
gard." 

"  Methinks  it  looks  upon  this  violence  with  an  evil 
eye  !  " 

"  'Tis  but  the  work  of  an  ingenious  man,  my  Lord,  and 
cannot  look  other  than  it  hath  always  seemed." 

''  Dost  think  thus,  Berchtliold  ?  There  are  many  who 
pretend  that  images  and  paintings  have  been  known  to 
speak,  when  it  was  Heaven's  pleasure." 

"  They  relate  such  legends,  my  good  Lord,  but  these  are 
events  that  are  little  wont  to  touch  those  who  are  not  much 
disposed  to  see  them." 

"  And  yet  in  these  facts  had  my  fathers  faith,  and  in  this 
belief  was  I  trained  ! " 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  239 

Berchthold  was  mute,  his  own  education  having  been 
more  suited  to  the  growing  opinions  of  the  times. 

"  That  God  can  surpass  the  ordinary  workings  of  nature, 
to  effect  His  pleasure,"  continued  Emich,  "  we  may  at  least 
believe." 

"  It  may  be  believed,  Herr  Count,  but  is  it  necessary  ? 
He  who  made  nature  may  use  it  at  his  pleasure." 

"  Ha  !  thou  has  no  faith  in  miracles,  boy  !  " 

"  I  am  myself  a  miracle,  that  tells  me  every  moment  of 
the  existence  of  a  superior  power  ;  and  in  that  much  I 
bend  to  its  control.  But  it  hath  never  been  my  fortune  to 
hear  an  image  speak,  or  see  it  do  aught  else  that  belongs 
to  the  will." 

"  By  my  father's  bones  !  but  thou  art  fit  to  deal  with  the 
cunningest  knave  that  wears  a  cowl  !  How  now,  brave  fol- 
lowers !"  turning  toward  his  people  ;  "leave  no  vestige  of 
the  roguery  and  abominations  that  have  so  long  been  done 
within  these  polluted  walls  !  " 

"  Herr  Count !  "  said  Berchthold  eagerly,  presuming  in 
his  haste  to  touch  the  cloak  of  Emich,  "  here  are  the 
Benedictines !  " 

The  word  caused  the  bold,  and  at  that  moment  the  in- 
dependent, Banjn  to  turn  suddenly,  laying  a  hand  on  his 
sword,  as  he  did  so.  But  the  hand  released  its  grasp,  and 
tlie  features  of  Emich  immediatety  reverted  to  their  former 
expression  of  anxiety  and  doubt,  at  what  he  now  be- 
held. 

By  this  time  all  of  the  different  edifices  which  composed 
the  Abbey  of  Limburg  were  fired,  the  church  and  its  imme- 
diate appendages  alone  excepted.  The  consequence  was 
sucii  an  increase  of  light  Avilhin  the  latter,  as  penetrated 
the  most  obscure  of  its  Gothic  recesses.  Tlie  choir,  above  all, 
received  the  strongest  iUumination  ;  and  young  Berchthold 
thought  its  tracery  never  appeared  so  beautiful  as  in  that 
fearful  moment  cjf  impending  destruction.  The  candles 
and  lamps  of  the  great  altar  began  to  look  dim,  and  all 
around  prevailed  the  glorious  and  fiery  briglUness  which 
accompanies  a  fierce  conllagration.  During  the  instant 
that  Emich  wa^  turned  toward  his  people,  two  monks 
had  come  from  the  sacristy,  and  placed  themselves  on 
the  steps  of  the  altar.  They  were  the  Prior  and  Father 
Johan.  The  former  bore  a  small  ivory  crucifix,  which 
from  time  to  time  lie  kissed,  while  the  latter  placed  at  his 
feet  a  massive  and  curiously  carved  chest,  of  sufficient  size 


240  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

nnd  weight  to  have  required  the  aid  of  a  lay-brother  to 
bring  it  from  its  repository. 

The  countenance  of  the  Prior  was  mild,  persuasive,  and 
filled  with  holy  concern.  That  of  his  companion  flushed, 
excited,  and  bearing  the  look  of  feverish  fire,  which  is  the 
effect  of  an  enthusiasm  tiiat  springs  as  much  from  temper- 
ament as  from  conviction. 

Emich  looked  at  the  Benedictines  uneasily,  and  he  ad- 
vanced so  near,  always  attended  by  the  Forester,  as  to  be 
within  reach  of  his  arm. 

"  'Fore  God,  but  ye  are  tardy,  Fathers,"  he  said,  deter- 
mined to  assume  an  indifference  he  was  far  from  feeling  ; 
*'the  pious  Bonifacius  hath  departed  many  minutes,  and 
quickened,  as  he  is,  by  love  of  his  person,  I  make  no 
question  that  his  footsteps  have  already  gone  down  the 
mountain  side  !  " 

"  Thou  hast  at  length  yielded  to  the  whispering  of  the 
devil,  Count  of  Leiningcn  ! "  returned  the  Prior  ;  ''  thou 
art  resolute  that  this  blot  shall  rest  upon  thy  soul  !" 

"We  are  not  at  confession,  holy  Arnolph,  but  engaged 
in  a  knightly  redressing  of  our  rights  ;  if  thou  hast  aught 
here  that  is  dear  to  thee,  take  it,  of  God's  name,  and  go 
thy  way.  Thou  shalt  have  safe  conduct,  were  it  to  the 
gates  of  Rome  ;  for,  of  all  thy  fraternity,  thou  art  he  for 
whom  alone  I  feel  regret  or  amity,  in  this  just  enterprise." 

"  I  know  not  this  difference  in  love,  when  it  touches  the 
existence  of  our  shrine,  or  the  duty  that  ties  us  to  its  ser- 
vice. This  question  is  not  between  thee  and  me,  Lord 
Emich,  but  between  thee  and  God."  ' 

*'  Hav^e  it  as  thou  wilt,  Herr  Prior,  so  thou  dost  but  de- 
part in  peace." 

"  I  am  not  weak  enough  to  resist  when  resistance  is 
vain,"  mildly  answered  the  Monk  ;  "  nor  am  I  quick  to 
desert  my  post,  while  there  is  hope.  Thou  hast  not  well 
bethought  thee  of  this  act,  Emich  ;  thou  hast  not  remem- 
bered thy  posterity,  nor  thy  kind  interest  in  the  noble 
Ermengarde  !" 

"  Dost  fancy  me  an  uxurious  citizen,  reverend  Arnolph, 
that  thou  wouldest  fain  stop  a  knight  in  his  onset  by  speak- 
ing of  the  good  wife  and  her  babes?" 

As  lie  concluded,  Emich  laughed. 

*'  Thou  hast  not  well  conceived  me.  This  is  not  a  ques- 
tion of  death  in  battle,  or  of  the  grief  of  those  who  sur- 
vive ;  for  such  thoughts  arc,  unhappily,  but   too  common 


i 


TJIE   IIEIDENMAUER.  241 

with  those  who  rule  the  earth,  to  raise  disquiet  ;  but  I 
would  speak  to  thee  of  the  long  future  and  of  its  pains. 
Dost  thou  know,  irrcvercnd  Baron,  that  the  God  of  Israel 
— who  is  my  God  and  thine — the  God  of  Israel  hath  said 
that  he  will  visit  the  sins  of  the  parent  upon  the  descend- 
ant, from  generation  to  generation  ?  and  yet,  blinded  by 
this  specious  success,  thou  seemest  to  court  his  anger." 

"  This  may  be  so  or  not  ;  for  ye  of  tiie  cloisters  have 
many  subtle  ways  of  reasoning  as  you  wish  ;  but  to  me  it 
seemeth  better  that  each  should  suffer  for  his  own  sins  ; 
and  such,  I  take  it,  is  what  the  community  of  Limburg 
doth  now  undergo." 

"  That  we  have  done  much  evil,  and  neglected  much 
good,  is,  alas,  too  true  ! " 

"  By  the  kings  of  Koeln  !  thou  art  getting  to  be  of  our 
side,  holy  Arnolph  !  " 

"  For  such  is  the  common  course,"  continued  the  un- 
moved Prior, — "  but  that  thou  art  not  our  judge  is  equally 
certain.  That  each  docs  and  will  suffer  for  his  own  acts  is 
beyond  denial,  but  the  fearful  consequences  of  crime  do 
not  stop  with  him  who  hath  committed  it.  This  much 
is  taught  us  by  reason,  and  what  is  still  more  sure,  it  is 
consecrated  by  words  from  God's  own  mouth.  Ponder, 
then,  while  thou  may,  on  the  load  of  sorrow  thou  art 
heaping  on  thy  descendants  ;  remember  that  thou  standest 
there,  subject  to  goading  passions,  the  miserable  being 
thou  art,  simply  that  in  thy  person  thou  payest  the  price 
of  a  parent's  sins.  What  our  common  father  did  is  still 
avenged  on  us  his  children." 

"  How  now,  Herr  Prior,  thou  pushest  my  pedigree  much 
beyond  its  pretensions.  Noble  and  princely,  if  thou  wilt, 
but  I  pass  not  the  dark  ages  in  any  of  my  claims.  Let 
them  that  have  greater  ambition  pay  for  the  purchase  in 
the  way  thou  namest ;  I  am  content  with  more  modern 
honors." 

Emich  spoke  jeeringly,  but  the  attentive  Monk  saw  that 
he  was  troubled. 

''  If  thou  hast  no  thoiiij^ht  for  posterity — none  for  thyself 
— none  for  thy  God,  limich,"  the  latter  resumed,  "bethink 
thee  of  those  who  liave  gone  before.  Hast  already  for- 
gotten thy  visit  to  the  tombs  of  thv  family  ?" 

"Thou  hast  me  there,  Arnolph! — those  sacred  vaults 
have  been  thy  convent's  shield  these  manv  months!" 

"  And  thou  art  now  disposed  to  forget  them  ? " 
16 


242  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

"  If  thou  wilt  ask  yon  honest  men,  they  will  tell  thee, 
Prior,  tliey  have  no  order  to  spare  the  meanest  of  thy  mar- 
ble cherubs,  even  though  it  hover  over  a  grave  of  mine  own 
house." 

"  Then  do  I  indeed  despair  of  touching  thy  heart !  "  an- 
swered Father  Arnolph,  sorrowing  as  much  for  the  crime 
as  for  its  consequences.  "  Then  indeed  art  thou  madly 
and  ruthlessly  bent,  not  only  on  our  destruction,  but  on 
thine  own  ;  for  pity  for  the  child,  and  love  of  the  parent, 
are  equally  despised.  Emich  of  Leiningen,  I  curse  thee 
not — this  is  a  weapon  too  fearful  for  human  hands  lightly 
to  wield.  I  bless  thee  not  ;  duty  to  God  forbids  the  holy 
office." 

"  Hold  !  reverend  Arnolph,  let  us  not  part  in  anger — I 
would,  in  sooth,  crave  from  thy  worthy  hands  some  touch 
of  consolation — if — aye — if  there  be  chapel  in  this  church, 
for  which  thou  hast  more  than  usual  reverence,  let  it  be 
named,  and  I  swear,  by  knight's  faith,  unless  the  work  be 
already  done,  it  shall  stand  unscathed  amid  the  ruins,  in 
testimony  of  my  love  for  thee — or  if  thou  hast  aught  here 
of  price,  whether  of  monkish  or  worldly  value,  point  it  out, 
that  it  may  be  held  safe  for  thy  better  leisure.  In  return, 
I  ask  but  the  parting  words  of  peace." 

'"Tis  forbidden  to  those  who  war  against  God,"  re- 
turned the  grieved  Prior,  releasing  his  robe  from  the  eager 
grasp  of  the  Baron. — "  I  can  and  will  pray  for  thee,  Emich  ; 
but  to  bless  thee  were  treachery  to  Heaven  !  " 

So  saying,  the  pious  Arnolph  buried  his  face  in  his 
dress,  to  shut  out  the  view  of  the  profanation  that  was 
working  around  him,  and  withdrew  slowly  from  the  choir. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 

'*  Avail  nt ! 
Incarnate  Lucifer  !   'tis  holy  ground  : 
A  martyr's  ashes  now  He  there,  which  make  it 
A  shrine." — Byron. 

During  the  foregoing  scene,  the  Benedictine,  already 
known  to  the  reader  as  Father  Johan,  had  awaited  its  issue 
with  a  species  of  lofty  patience  on  the  steps  of  the  altar. 
But  in  a  character  so  exaggerated,  there  remained  little 


THE  HEIDENMAdER.  243 

that  was  purely  natural  ;  even  the  forbearance  of  the  Monk 
partook  of  the  forced  and  fervid  qualities  of  his  mind. 
Conventual  discipline,  deep  and  involuntary  respect  for 
the  Prior,  and  that  very  disdain  which  he  felt  for  all  gentle 
means  of  recalling  a  sinner  to  the  fold,  kept  him  tolerably 
tranquil,  while  Emich  and  his  spiritual  superior  held  their 
parley  ;  but  there  was  a  gleam  of  wild  delight  in  his  eye, 
when  he  found,  of  all  that  powerful  and  boasted  fraternity, 
that  he  alone  remained  to  defend  the  altars.  The  feeling 
of  the  moment  in  such  a  breast,  notwithstanding  the  scene 
of  tumult  that  rather  increased  than  diminished  in  the 
church,  was  that  of  triumph.  He  exulted  in  his  ow^n  con- 
stancy, and  he  anticipated  the  effects  which  were  to  follow 
from  his  firmness,  with  the  self-complacency  of  a  prurient 
confidence,  and  with  the  settled  conviction  of  an  enthusiast. 

Eaiich  took  little  heed  of  his  presence,  during  the  first 
moments  that  succeeded  the  departure  of  the  Prior.  There 
is  a  majesty  and  a  quiet  energy  in  truth  and  sound  prin- 
ciples, that  happily  form  their  constant  buttresses.  With- 
out this  wise  provision  of  Providence,  the  w^orld  would  be 
hopelessly  abandoned  to  the  machinations  of  those  who 
consider  all  means  lawful,  provided  the  ends  tend  to  their 
own  success.  All  near  the  Abbey  of  Limburg  had  felt  the 
influence  of  these  high  qualities  in  Father  Arnolph,  and  it 
is  more  than  probable  that,  as  in  the  case  of  the  city  of 
Canaan,  had  the  community  contained  four  of  his  spiritual 
peers,  the  Abbey  would  not  have  fallen. 

The  Count,  in  particular,  who,  like  all  that  first  break 
from  mental  servitude,  w^as  so  often  troubled  with  strong 
doubts,  had  long  entertained  a  deep  respect  fortius  monk  ; 
and  it  is  not  improbable,  that  had  the  pious  Arnolph  fully 
imderstood  his  own  power,  by  an  early  and  more  vigilant 
use  of  his  means,  he  might  have  found  a  way  to  avert  the 
blow  that  had  now  alighted  on  Limburg.  But  the  meek- 
ness and  modesty  of  the  Prior  were  qualities  as  strongly 
marked  as  his  more  active  virtues,  and  the  policy  of 
LimburQ:  was  not  of  a  character  to  rclv  on  either  for  its 
secmity. 

"There  is  good  in  that  brother,"  said  Emich  to  Bcrcht- 
hold,  when  his  thoughtful  eye  again  rose  to  the  face  of  the 
young  Forester. — "  Had  he  been  mitred,  instead  of  Boni- 
facius,  our  rights  might  have  still  suffered." 

"Few  are  more  beloved  than  Father  Arnolph,  Ilcrf 
Coimt,  and  none  so  deserve  to  be." 


244  ^^^  HEIDENMAUER. 

"  Thou  art  of  this  mind  !  How  now,  Master  Heinrich  ! 
art  in  monkish  meditation  in  thy  stall,  or  dost  dispose  of 
the  lesson  of  the  virtuous  Ulrike,  more  at  thy  ease,  in  a 
seat  where  so  much  substantial  carnal  aliment  hath  been 
digested  by  godly  Benedictines  !  Come  to  the  front,  like  a 
stout  soldier,  and  give  us  the  savor  of  thy  good  wisdom  in 
this  strait." 

'*  Methinks,  our  work  is  well-nigh  done.  Lord  Emich," 
answered  Heinrich,  complying  with  the  request ;  "  my 
faithful  townsmen  are  not  idle  in  the  chapels  and  among 
the  tombs,  and  the  sledge  of  yon  smith  dealeth  with  an 
angel  an'  it  were  a  bar  of  molten  iron.  Each  stroke  leaves 
a  mark  that  no  chisel  will  repair !  " 

"Let  the  knaves  amuse  themselves;  every  blow  is 
quickened  by  the  recollection  of  some  hard  penance.  Thou 
seest  that  they  place  the  confessionals  in  a  pile  ready  for 
the  torch  !  This  is  attacking  the  enemy  in  his  citadel.  But 
Heinrich,  is  the  excellent  Ulrike  wont  to  come  forth  with 
thee  in  thy  frays  against  the  Church  ?  God's  judgments  ! 
Were  Ermengaide  of  this  humor,  we  should  have  no  hope 
of  salvation  in  our  castle  !  " 

"  You  do  my  wife  injustice,  Herr  Count ;  Ulrike  was  here 
to  pray,  and  not  to  encourage." 

"Thou  mightcst  have  spared  the  explanation,  for  truly 
such  encouragement  never  did  soldier  need  !  Wert  privy  to 
the  visit, — ha! — wert  privy,  worthy  Burgomaster  ?" 

"  To  speak  you  honestly,  Herr  Emich,  I  thought  the 
woman  otherwise  bestowed." 

"  By  the  Magi ! — in  her  bed  ?  " 

"  Nay,  at  her  prayers,  but  in  a  different  place.  But  we 
do  her  too  much  honor,  noble  Emich,  to  let  the  movements 
of  a  mere  housewife  occupy  our  high  thoughts  in  this  busy 
moment." 

"  Nothing  that  touches  thee  is  of  light  concern  with  thy 
friends,  good  Burgomaster,"  answered  the  Baron,  who 
pondered  with  instinctive  uneasiness,  even  in  that  mo- 
ment of  tumult,  on  this  visit  of  Ulrike  to  the  Benedictines, 
at  an  hour  so  unusual. 

'•  Thou  art  well  wived,  Herr  Heinrich,  and  all  that  know 
thy  consort  do  her  honor  !  " 

The  Burgomaster  was  a  man  by  far  too  well  satisfied 
with  his  own  superior  merits  to  harbor  jealousy.  Self-com- 
placency might  have  been  at  the  bottom  of  his  security, 
though  it  were  scarce  possible  for  one  even  much  more  ad' 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  245 

dieted  by  nature  to  that  tormenting  passion,  to  have  lived 
so  long  in  perfect  familiarity  with  the  pure  mind  of  Ulrike, 
without  feeling  reverence  for  its  principles  and  virtue.  The 
sentiments  of  the  Baron  were  very  different  ;  for  though  in 
his  heart  equally  convinced  of  the  character  of  her  to 
whom  he  alluded,  he  could  not  altogether  exclude  the  sus- 
picions of  a  man  of  loose  habits,  nor  the  uneasiness  of  one 
who  had  himself  been  discarded.  The  answer  of  the  hus- 
band, however,  served  to  turn  the  discourse,  by  giving  the 
Burgomaster  an  opportunity  of  placing  himself  in  the  most 
prominent  relief. 

"A  thousand  thanks,  illustrious  Ilerr,"  he  said,  raising 
his  cap  ;  *'  the  woman  is  not  amiss,  though  much  troubled 
with  infirmity  on  the  score  of  altars  and  penances.  When 
we  shall  have  fairly  disposed  of  Limburg,  another  reign 
will  commence  among  our  wives  and  dauglUers,  and  we 
can  hope  for  more  quiet  Sabbaths.  As  to  this  grace  of 
your  present  speech,  Lord  Count,  I  take  it,  as  was  no 
doubt  meant,  to  be  another  pledge  of  our  lasty  amity  and 
close  alliance." 

"  Thou  talkcst  well,"  quickly  answered  Emich,  losing 
the  passing  feeling  of  distrust  in  the  recollection  of  his 
present  purpose;  ''no  words  of  friendship  are  lost,  on  a 
true  and  sworn  supporter.  Well,  Heinrich,  is  our  affair 
finally  achieved  ? " 

*'  Sapperment !  Herr  Count,  if  not  finished,  it  is  in  a  fair 
way  to  be  so  quickly." 

"  Here  remaineth  a  Benedictine ! "  said  Bcrchthold, 
drawing  their  attention  to  the  Monk,  who  still  maintained 
his  post  on  the  steps  of  the  altar. 

"  The  bees  do  not  relish  quitting  their  hive,  while  any 
of  the  hard  earnings  are  left,"  said  the  Count,  laughing  ; 
"  wliat  wouldst  thou,  Father  Johan  ? — if  thy  careful  mind 
hath  had  thcjught  of  the  precious  vessels,  make  thy  choice 
and  depart." 

The  Benedictine  returned  the  laugh  of  the  noble,  with  a 
smile  of  deep  but  quiet  exultation, 

''Assemble  thy  followers,  rude  Baron,"  he  said;  "call 
all  within  thy  control  to  this  sanctified  spot,  for  there  yet 
remaineth  a  power  to  be  overcome  oi  which  thou  hast  not 
taken  heed  ;  at  the  moment  wlien  thou  fanciest  thyself 
most  secure,  art  tli(ju  nearest  to  disgrace  and  to  destruc- 
tion." 

As  the  excited  Monk  suited  his  words  by  a  correspond- 


246  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

ing  energy  of  emphasis  and  tone,  Emich  recoiled  a  step, 
like  one  who  distrusted  a  secret  mine.  The  desperate  char- 
acter of  Father  Johan's  enthusiasm  was  well-known  and 
neither  of  the  three  listeners  was  without  apprehension 
that  the  fraternity,  aware  of  the  invasion,  had  plotted 
some  deep  design  of  vengeance,  which  this  exaggerated 
brother  had  been  deputed  to  execute. 

"  Ho  !  without  there  !  "  cried  the  Count — "  Let  a  party 
descend  quickly  to  the  crypt,  and  look  to  the  villanies  of 
these  pretended  saints  ;  cousin  of  Viederbach,"  revealing  in 
the  eagerness  of  the  moment  the  presence  of  this  sworn 
soldier  of  the  Cross,  "  see  thou  to  our  safety,  for  the  Rho- 
dian  warfare  hath  made  thee  familiar  with  these  treacheries." 

The  call  of  the  Count,  which  was  uttered  like  a  battle 
cry,  stayed  the  hands  of  the  destroyers.  Some  rushed  to 
obey  the  order,  w4iile  most  of  the  others  gathered  hastily 
into  the  choir.  It  is  certain  that  the  presence  of  fellow- 
sufferers  diminishes  the  force  of  fear,  even  though  it  may 
in  truth  increase  the  danger  ;  for  such  is  the  constitution 
of  our  minds,  that  they  willingly  admit  the  influence  of 
sympathy  whether  it  be  in  pain  or  pleasure.  When  Emich 
found  himself  backed  by  so  many  of  his  band,  he  thought 
less  of  the  apprehended  mine,  and  he  turned  to  question 
the  Monk,  with  more  of  the  calmness  that  became  his  con- 
dition. 

*'Thou  wouldst  have  the  followers  of  Hartenburg,  Fa- 
ther," he  said,  ironically,  ^'and  thou  seest  how  readily  they 
come  ! " 

"  I  would  that  all  who  have  listened  to  schismatics — all 
wiio  refuse  honor  to  the  holy  Church — all  who  deny 
Rome — and  all  that  believe  themselves  on  earth  freed  from 
the  agency  of  Heaven,  now  stood  before  me  ! "  answered 
the  Benedictine,  examining  the  group  of  heads  that  clus- 
tered among  the  stalls,  with  the  bright  but  steady  eye  of 
one  engrossed  with  the  consciousness  of  his  force.  "Thou 
art  in  hundreds.  Count  Leiningen — would  it  were  God's 
pleasure  that  it  had  been  in  millions  !  " 

"  We  are  of  sufficient  strength  for  our  object,  Monk.* 

"  That  remaineth  to  be  seen.  Now,  listen  to  a  voice 
from  above  ! — I  speak  to  you,  unhallowed  ministers  of  the 
will  of  this  ambitious  Baron — to  you,  misguided  and  ig- 
norant tools  of  a  scheme  that  hatli  been  ph^tted  of  evil, 
and  hath  been  brought  forth  from  the  prolific  brain  of  the 
restless  Father  of  Sin.     Ye  have  come  at  the  heels  of  vour 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  247 

lord,  vainly  rejoicing  in  a  visible  but  impotent  power — 
impiously  craving  tlie  profits  of  your  unholy  enterprise, 
and  forgetting  God  I " 

"By  the  mass,  priest!"  interrupted  Emich  ;  "thou  hast 
once  already  given  us  a  sermon  to-day,  and  time  presseth. 
If  thou  hast  an  enemy  to  present,  bring  him  forth  ;  but  we 
tire  of  these  churchly  offices." 

*'Thou  hast  had  thy  moment  of  wanton  will,  abandoned 
Emich,  and  now  cometh  the  judgment — seest  thou  this 
box  of  precious  relics  ! — dost  thou  forget  that  Limburg  is 
rich  in  these  holy  remains,  and  that  their  virtues  are  yet 
untried  ? — Woe  to  him  who  scoffeth  at  their  character,  and 
despiseth  their  power  !  " 

"Stay  thy  hand,  Johan  !"  cried  the  Count  hastily,  when 
lie  saw  that  the  Monk  was  about  to  expose  some  of  those 
well-l<nown  vestiees  of  mortalitv  to  which  the  Church  of 
Rome  then,  as  novr,  attributed  miraculous  interventions ; 
"  this  is  no  moment  for  fooleries  !  " 

"  Callest  thou  this  sacred  office  by  so  profane  a  name! 
— abide  the  issue,  foul-mouthed  asperser  of  our  holy  au- 
thority, and  triumph  if  thou  canst  !  " 

The  Count  was  much  disturbed,  for  his  reason  had  far 
less  influence  now  in  supporting  him  than  his  ambition. 
The  party  in  the  rear,  too,  began  to  waver,  for  opinion  was 
not  then  sufficiently  confirmed  to  render  the  mass  indif- 
ferent to  such  an  exposure  of  clerical  power.  Whatever 
may  be  the  difference  that  exists  between  Christian  sects 
ccMKjcrning  the  validity  of  modern  miracles,  all  will  allow% 
that,  when  trained  in  the  belief  of  their  reality,  the  mind 
is  less  prepared  to  resist  their  influence  than  that  of  any 
other  engine  by  which  it  can  be  assailed,  since  it  is  placing 
tlie  impotency  of  man  in  direct  and  obvious  collision  with 
the  power  of  the  Deity.  Before  such  an  exhibition  of 
force,  nature  coffers  no  means  of  resistance  ;  and  the  myste- 
rious and  unseen  agency  by  wliich  the  wonder  is  produced, 
enlists  in  its  interest  both  the  imagination  and  that  innate 
dread  of  omnipotence  which  all  ])ossess. 

*''Twere  well  this  matter  went  no  farther!"  said  Emich, 
uneasily  whispering  his  princij^al  agents. 

"  Nay,  my  Lord  Count,"  answered  Berchthold,  calmly, 
"it  may  be  good  to  know  the  right  of  the  matter.  If  we 
are  n(jt  of  Heaven's  side  in  this  affair,  let  it  be  shown  in 
(air  own  behalf  ;  and  if  the  Benedictines  are  no  better 
than  pretenders,  our  consciences  will  be  all  the  easier." 


248  THE  HEIDEJSTMAUER, 

"  Thou  art  presuming,  boy — none  know  the  end  of  this ! 
— Herr  Heinrich,  thou  art  silent  ? " 

"  What  would  you  have,  noble  Emich,  of  a  poor  Burgo- 
master ?  I  will  own,  I  think  it  were  more  for  the  advantage 
of  Duerckheim  that  the  matter  went  no  farther." 

**Thou  hearest,  Benedictine  !"  said  the  Count,  laying 
the  point  of  his  sheathed  sword  on  the  richly  chased  and 
much  reverenced  box  that  the  Monk  had  already  unlocked, 
— "  this  must  stop  here  !  " 

"  Take  away  the  weapon,  Emich  of  Leiningen,"  said  Fa- 
ther Johan,  with  dignity. 

The  Count  obeyed,  though  he  scarce  knew  why. 

"  This  is  a  fearful  instant  for  the  unbeliever,"  continued 
the  Monk  ;  "  the  moment  is  near  when  our  altars  shall  be 
avenged — nay,  recoil  not,  bold  Baron — remain  to  the  end, 
ye  dissolute  and  forsaken  followers  of  the  wicked,  for  in 
vain  ye  hope  to  flee  the  judgment." 

There  was  so  much  of  tranquil  enthusiasm  in  the  air  and 
faith  of  Father  Johan,  that,  spite  of  a  general  wish  to  be  at 
a  distance  from  the  relics,  curiosity,  and  the  inherent  prin- 
ciple of  religious  awe,  held  each  man  spell-bound  ;  though 
every  heart  beat  quicker  as  the  Monk  proceeded,  calmly, 
and  with  a  reverential  mien,  to  expose  the  bones  of  saints, 
the  remnants  of  mantles,  the  reputed  nails  of  the  true 
cross,  and  morsels  of  its  wood,  with  divers  other  similar 
memorials  of  holy  events,  and  of  sainted  martyrs.  Not  a 
foot  had  power  to  retire.  When  all  were  laid,  in  solemn 
silence,  on  the  bright  and  glowing  shrine,  Father  Johan, 
crossino^  himself,  aijain  turned  to  the  crowd. 

''  What  may  be  Heaven's  purpose  in  this  strait,  I  know 
not,"  he  said  ;  "  but  withered  be  the  hand,  and  for  ever 
accursed  the  soul,  of  him  who  dareth  violence  to  these  holy 
vestiges  of  Christian  faith  !  " 

Uttering  these  ominous  words,  the  Benedictine  faced 
the  crucifix,  and  kneeled  in  silent  prayer.  The  minute 
that  followed  was  one  of  fearful  portent  to  the  cause  of 
the  invaders.  Eye  sought  eye  in  doubt,  and  one  regarded 
the  fretted  vault,  another  gazed  intently  at  the  speaking 
image  of  Maria,  as  if  each  expected  some  miraculous  mani- 
festation of  divine  displeasure.  The  issue  would  have 
been  doubtful,  had  not  the  cherry-wood  trumpet  of  the 
cow-herd  again  soimded  most  opportunely  in  his  master's 
behalf.  The  wily  knave  blew  a  well-known  and  popular 
imitation  of  the  beasts  of  his  herd,  among  the  arches  of 


THE  HEIDENMAUER,  249 

the  chapel,  striking  at  the  effect  of  what  had  just  passed 
by  the  interposition  of  a  familiar  and  vulgar  idea.  The  in- 
fluence of  the  ludicrous,  at  moments  wlien  the  passions 
vacillate,  or  the  reason  totters,  is  too  well  known  to  need 
elucidation.  It  is  another  of  those  caprices  of  humanity 
that  baffle  theories,  proving  how  very  far  we  are  removed 
from  being  the  exclusively  reasoning  animal  we  are  fond 
of  thinking  the  species. 

The  expedient  of  the  ready-witted  Gottlob  produced  its 
full  effect.  The  most  ignorant  of  the  castle  followers, 
those  even  whose  dull  minds  had  been  on  the  verge  of  an 
abject  deference  to  superstition,  took  courage  at  the  daring 
of  the  cow-herd  ;  and,  as  the  least  founded  in  any  belief 
are  commonly  the  most  vociferous  in  its  support,  this  por- 
tion of  the  band  echoed  the  interruption  from  fifty  hoarse 
throats.  Emich  felt  like  a  man  reprieved  ;  for  under  the 
double  influence  of  his  own  distrust,  and  the  wavering  of 
his  followers,  the  Count  for  a  moment  had  fancied  his  long- 
meditated  destruction  of  the  communitv  of  Limburof  in 
great  danger  of  being  frustrated. 

Encouraged  by  each  other's  cries,,  the  invaders  returned 
to  their  work  laughing  at  their  own  alarm.  The  chairs  and 
confessionals  had  been  already  heaped  in  the  great  aisle, 
and  a  brand  was  thrown  into  the  pile.  Fire  was  applied 
to  the  church  wherever  there  was  food  for  the  element,  and 
some  of  the  artisans  of  Duerckheim,  better  instructed  than 
their  looser  associates,  found  the  means  to  light  the  con- 
flagration in  such  parts  of  the  roofs  and  the  other  superior 
stories,  as  would  insure  the  destruction  of  the  pile.  In  the 
meantime,  all  the  exterior  edifices  had  been  burning,  and 
the  whole  hill,  to  the  eye  of  him  who  dwelt  in  the  valley 
beneath,  presented  volumes  of  red  flame,  or  of  lurid 
smoke. 

During  the  progress  of  this  scene,  Emich  paced  the 
choir,  partly  exulting  in  his  success,  and  partly  doubting 
(jf  its  personal  fruits.  Over  the  temporal  consequences 
he  had  well  p(jndered  ;  but  the  motionless  attitude  of 
Father  J(jhan,  the  presence  of  the  long-reverenced  relics, 
and  the  denunciations  of  the  Church,  still  had  their  terrors 
for  one  whose  mind  had  few  well-grounded  resources  to 
sustain  it.  From  this  state  of  uncnsincss  he  was  aroused 
by  the  noise  of  the  sledge,  at  work  in  the  crypt.  Followed 
by  Ileinrirh  and  Berchthold,  the  Count  hastened  to  de- 
scend to  this  place,  which  it  will  be  remembered  contained 


250  THE   HEJDENMAUER. 

the  tombs  a,nd  the  chapel  of  his  race.  Here,  as  above,  all 
was  in  bright  light,  and  all  was  in  confusion.  Most  of  the 
princely  and  noble  tombs  had  already  imdergone  mutila- 
tion, and  no  chapel  had  been  respected.  Before  that  of 
Hartenburg,  however,  Albrecht  of  Viederbach  stood, 
with  folded  arms  and  a  thoughtful  eye.  The  cloak  which, 
during  the  commencement  of  the  attack,  had  served  to  con- 
ceal his  person,  was  now  neglected,  and  he  seemed  to  for- 
get the  prudence  of  disguise,  in  deep  contemplation. 

"  We  have  at  length  got  to  the  monuments  of  our  fathers, 
cousin  ; "  said  the  Count,  joining  him. 

"  To  their  very  bones,  noble  Emich  !  " 

"  The  worthy  knights  have  long  slept  in  evil  company  ; 
there  shall  be  further  rest  for  them  in  the  chapel  of  Harten- 
burg." 

''  I  hope  it  may  be  found,  Herr  Graf,  that  this  adventure 
is  lawful!" 

"  How ! — dost  thou  doubt,  with  the  work  so  near  accom- 
plished?" 

*'  By  the  mass  !  a  soldier  of  Rhodes  might  better  be 
figliting  your  turbaned  infidel,  than  awakening  the  nobles 
of  his  own  house  from  so  long  a  sleep,  at  so  short  a  sum- 
mons ! " 

"  Thou  canst  retire  into  my  hold,  Herr  Albrecht,  if  thy 
arm  is  wearied,"  said  Emich,  coldly  ;  "not  a  malediction 
can  reach  thee  there." 

"  That  would  be  poor  requital  for  a  free  hospitality, 
cousin  ;  the  travelling  knight  is  the  ally  of  the  last  friend, 
even  though  there  be  some  wrong  to  general  duties.  But 
we  cavaliers  of  the  island  well  know,  that  a  retreat,  to  be 
honorable,  must  be  orderly,  and  not  out  of  season.  I  am 
with  thee,  Emich,  for  the  hour,  and  so  no  more  parley. 
This  was  the  image  of  the  good  Bishop  of  our  line  ?" 

^'  He  had  some  such  reverend  office,  I  do  believe  ;  but 
speak  of  him  as  thou  wilt,  none  can  say  he  was  a  Bene- 
dictine." 

*'  It  had  been  better,  cousin,  since  this  church  is  to  be 
sacked,  that  our  predecessors  had  found  other  conse- 
crated ground  for  their  dust.  Well,  we  sworn  soldiers  pass 
uneven  lives  !  It  is  now  some  twelve  months  or  so,  that 
like  a  loyal  and  professed  Rhodian,  I  stood  to  my  knees  in 
water,  making  good  a  trench  against  your  believer  in 
Houris  and  your  unbeliever  in  Christ ;  and  now,  forsooth, 
I  am  here  as  a  spectator  (none  call  me  more  with  honesty), 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  251 

while  a  Christian  altar  is  overturned,  and  a  brotherhood  of 
shaven  monks  arc  sent  adrift  upon  earth,  like  so  many 
disbanded  mercenaries  !  " 

"  By  the  Three  Kings  !  my  cousin,  thou  makest  a  fit 
comparison  ;  for  like  disbanded  mercenaries  have  they 
gone  forth  to  prey  upon  society  in  a  new  shape, — Sparc 
the  angel  of  my  grandfather,  good  smith,"  cried  Emich, 
interrupting  himself;  ''if  there  be  any  virtue  in  the 
image,  'tis  for  the  benefit  of  our  house  !  " 

Dietrich  stayed  his  uplifted  arm,  and  directed  the  in- 
tended blow  at  another  object.  The  marble  flew  in  vast 
fragments  at  each  collision  with  his  sledge,  and  the  leaders 
of  the  party  soon  found  it  necessary  to  retire,  to  avoid  the 
random  efforts  of  the  heated  crowd. 

There  no  longer  remained  a  doubt  of  the  fate  of  these 
long  known  and  much  celebrated  conventual  buildings. 
Tomb  fell  after  tomb,  monuments  were  defaced,  altars 
were  overturned,  chapels  sacked,  and  every  object  that  was 
in  the  least  likely  t(j  resist  the  action  of  fire  received  such 
indelible  injuries  as  rendered  its  restoration  difficult  or 
impossible. 

During  the  continuance  of  their  efforts,  the  conflagration 
liad  advanced,  as  the  fierce  element  that  had  been  called 
in  to  assist  the  destroyers  is  known  to  do  its  work.  Most 
of  the  dormitories,  kitchens,  and  outer  buildings  were  con- 
sumed, so  far  as  the  materials  allowed,  beyond  redress  ; 
and  it  became  apparent  that  the  great  church  and  its  de- 
pendencies would  soon  be  untenable. 

Emich  and  liis  companions  were  still  in  the  crypt,  when 
a  cry  reached  them,  admcjnishing  all  within  hearing  to  re- 
treat, lest  thev  become  victims  to  the  llames.  Bcrchthold 
and  the  smith  drove  before  them  the  crowd  from  the 
crypt,  and  there  was  a  general  rush  to  gain  the  outer 
do(jr. 

When  the  interi(jr  of  the  church  was  clear,  the  Ccnint 
and  his  f(jllowers  paused  in  the  court,  contemplating  the 
scene,  with  curious  eves,  like  men  satisfied  with  their 
work.  No  socMier  was  the  (^(jnunon  altciuion  directed 
back  towards  the  spot  from  wIkjucc  thev  had  just  escaped, 
than  a  general  cry,  that  partook  equally  of  wonder  and 
horror,  broke  from  the  crowd.  As  the  doors  were  all 
tin-own  wide,  and  everv  cranny  of  tiie  building  was  illu- 
minated bv  the  fierce  light  of  the  llames  that  were  raging 
in  the  roofs,  the  choir  was  nearly  as  visible  to  those  with' 


252  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

out  as  if  it  stood  exposed  to  the  rays  of  a  noon-aay  sun. 
Father  Johan  was  still  kneeling  before  the  altar. 

In  obedience  to  the  commands  of  Emich,  the  sacred 
shrine  had  been  stript  of  its  precious  vessels,  but  none 
had  presumed  to  touch  a  relic.  On  these  long  venerated 
memorials,  the  Benedictine  kept  his  eyes  riveted,  in  the 
firm  conviction  that,  sooner  or  later,  the  power  of  God 
would  be  made  manifest  in  defence  of  his  violated  temple. 

"  The  monk  !  the  monk  !  "  exclaimed  fifty  eager  voices. 

"  I  would  fain  save  the  fanatic  !  "  said  Emich,  with  great 
and  generous  concern. 

"  He  may  listen  to  one  who  beareth  this  holy  emblem," 
cried  the  Knight  of  Rhodes,  releasing  his  cross  from  the 
doublet  in  which  it  had  been  concealed.  *'  Will  any  come 
with  me  to  the  rescue  of  this  mad  Benedictine  ? " 

There  was  as  much  of  repentant  atonement  in  the  offer 
of  Albrecht  of  Viederbach,  as  there  was  of  humanity.  But 
the  impulse  wliich  led  young  Berchthold  forward,  was 
purely  generous.  Notwithstanding  the  imminent  peril  of 
the  attempt,  they  darted  together  into  the  building,  and 
passed  swiftly  up  the  choir.  The  heat  was  getting  to  be  op- 
pressive, though  the  great  height  of  the  ceilings  still  ren- 
dered it  tolerable.  They  approached  the  altar,  advising 
the  monk  of  his  danger  by  their  cries. 

"  Do  ye  come  to  be  w^itnesses  of  Heaven's  power  ?"  de- 
manded Father  Johan,  smiling  with  the  calm  of  an  invet- 
erate enthusiast  ;  ''  or  do  ye  come,  sore-stricken  penitents 
that  ye  have  done  this  deed  ?" 

"Away,  good  father!"  hurriedly  answered  Berchthold  ; 
*'  Heaven  is  against  the  community  to-night  ;  in  another 
minute,  yon  fiery  roof  will  fall." 

"  Hearest  thou  the  blasphemer.  Lord?  Is  it  thy  holy 
will,  that " 

"Listen  to  a  sworn  soldier  of  the  cross,"  interrupted  Al- 
brecht, showing  his  Rhodian  emblem — *'we  are  of  one 
faith,  and  we  will  now  depart  together  for  another  trial." 

*'  Away!  false  servant  !  and  thou,  abandoned  boy! — See 
ye  these  sainted  relics  ! " 

At  a  signal  from  the  knight,  Berchthold  seized  the  monk 
by  one  side,  while  Albrecht  did  the  same  thing  on  the 
other,  and  he  was  yet  speaking  as  they  bore  him  down 
the  choir.  But  they  struggled  with  one  that  a  long  en- 
c(niraged  and  morbid  view  of  life  had  rendered  mad.  Be- 
fore they  reached  the  great  aisle,  the  fanatic  had  liberated 


THE   HEIDENMAUER. 


"5^ 


himself,  and,  wliile  his  captors  were  recovering  breath,  he 
was  again  at  the  foot  of  tlie  ahar.  Instead  of  kneeling, 
however,  Father  Johan  now  seized  the  most  venerated  of 
the  relics,  which  he  held  on  high,  audibly  imploring 
Heaven  to  hasten  the  manifestation  of  its  majesty. 

"  He  is  doomed  !  "  said  Albrecht  of  Viederbach,  retiring 
from  the  church. 

As  the  Knight  of  Rhodes  rushed  through  the  great 
door,  a  massive  brand  fell  from  the  ceiling  npon  the  pave- 
ment, scattering  its  coals  like  so  many  twinkling  stars. 

'*  Berchthold  !  Berchthold  !  "  was  shouted  from  a  hun- 
dred throats. 

'^  Come  forth,  rash  boy  !  "  cried  Emich,  with  a  voice  in 
which  agony  was  blended  with  the  roar  of  the  conflagra- 
tion. 

Berchthold  seemed  spell-bonnd.  He  gazed  wistfully  at 
the  monk,  and  darted  back  again  towards  the  altar.  An 
awful  crashing  above,  which  resembled  the  settling  of  a 
mountain  of  snow  ab(nit  to  descend  in  an  avalanche,  grated 
on  the  car.  The  very  men  whcj,  so  short  a  lime  before, 
had  come  upon  the  hill  ready  and  prepared  to  slay,  now 
uttered  groans  of  horror  at  witnessing  the  jeopardy  of 
their  fellow-creatures  ;  for,  whatever  we  may  be  in  mo- 
ments of  excitement,  there  are  latent  sympathies  in  human 
nature,  which  too  much  use  may  deaden,  but  which  noth- 
ing but  death  can  finally  extinguish. 

"  Corne  forth,  young  Berchthold  !  come  forth,  my  gal- 
lant forester!  "  shouted  the  voice  of  the  Count  above  the 
clamor  of  the  crowd,  as  if  rallying  his  followers  with  a 
battle-cry,  "  He  will  die  with  tlie  wretched  monk  ! — The 
youth  is  mad  !  " 

I-Jerchthold  was  struggling  with  tlic  Benedictine,  though 
none  knew  what  passed  between  them.  Tiiere  was  another 
crasli,  and  the  whole  pavement  began  to  glow  with  fallen 
brands.  Then  came  a  l)reaking  of  rafters,  and  a  scatter- 
ing of  fire  that  denoted  the  end.  IMie  interior  of  the 
chapel  resembled  the  burning  shower  which  usually  closes 
a  Roman  girandola,  and  the  earth  shook  with  the  fall  of 
the  massive  structure.  There  are  horrors  on  which  few 
human  eyes  can  bear  to  dwell.  At  this  moment  nearly 
every  hand  veiled  a  face,  and  every  head  was  averted.  But 
the  movement  lasted  only  an  instant.  When  the  interior 
was  again  seen,  it  appeared  a  fiery  furnace.  The  altar 
still    stood,    however,    and    Johan    miraculously    kept   his 


254 


THE   HEIDENMAUER. 


post  on  its  Steps.  Bcrchthold  hud  disappeared.  The  ges- 
ticulations of  the  Benedictine  were  wilder  than  ever,  and 
his  countenance  was  that  of  a  man  whose  reason  had  liope- 
lessly  departed.  He  kept  his  feet  only  for  a  moment,  but 
w^ithering  fell.  After  w^hich  his  body  w^as  seen  to  curl  like 
a  green  twig  that  is  seared  by  the  flames. 


CHAPTER   XXn. 


** Masters,  you  ought  to  consider  with  yourselves." 

— Alidstwniier  NighC s  Dream. 

The  constant  moral  sentinel  that  God  hath  set  on  watcii 
in  every  man's  breast,  but  which  acts  so  differently  in  dif- 
ferent circumstances,  though,  perhaps,  in  no  condition  of 
humiliation  and  ignorance  does  it  ever  entirely  desert  its 
trust,  is  sure  to  bring  repentance  witli  the  sense  of  error. 
It  is  vain  to  say  that  this  innate  sentiment  of  truth,  which 
we  call  conscience,  is  the  mere  result  of  opinion  and  habit, 
since  it  is  even  more  apparent  in  the  guileless  and  untrained 
child  than  in  the  most  practised  man,  and  nature  has  so 
plainly  set  her  mark  upon  all  its  workings  as  to  prove  its 
identity  with  the  fearful  being  that  forms  the  incorporeal 
part  of  our  existence.  Like  all  else  that  is  good,  it  may 
be  weakened  and  perverted,  or  be  otherwise  abused  ;  but, 
like  everything  that  comes  from  the  same  high  soiuxe, 
even  amid  these  vicious  changes,  it  will  retain  traces  of  its 
divine  author.  We  look  upon  this  unwearied  monitor  as 
a  vestige  of  that  high  condition  from  w^hich  the  race  fell  : 
and  we  hold  it  to  be  beyond  dispute,  that  precisely  as  men 
feel  and  admit  its  influence,  do  they  approach,  or  recede 
from,  their  original  condition  of  innocence. 

The  destruction  of  the  Abbey  was  succeeded  by  most  of 
those  signs  which  attend  all  acts  of  violence,  in  degrees 
that  are  proportioned  to  previous  habits.  Even  they  who 
had  been  most  active  in  accomplishing  this  long-meditated 
blow  began  to  tremble  for  its  consequences  ;  and  few  in 
the  Palatinate  heard  of  the  deed,  without  holding  their 
breaths  like  men  who  expected  Heaven  would  summarily 
avenge  the  sacrilege.  But  in  order  that  the  thread  of  the 
narrative  should  not  be  broken,  we   will  return   to  our  in- 


THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


-Yd 


cidcnts  in  their  proper  order,  advancing  the  time  but  a  few 
days  after  tlie  niglit  of  the  conllagratiun. 

The  reader  will  have  to  imagine  another  view  of  the 
Jaegerthal.  There  was  tlie  same  smiling  sun,  and  the  same 
beneficent  season  ;  the  forest  w^as  as  green  and  waving, 
the  meadows  were  as  smooth  and  dark,  the  hill-sides  as 
bright  beneath  tlie  play  of  light  and  shade,  while  the  mur- 
muring brook  was  as  limpid  and  swift,  as  when  first  present- 
ed to  his  eye  in  these  pages.  Not  a  hut  or  cottage  w\as  dis- 
turbed, either  in  the  liamlets  or  along  the  travelled  paths, 
and  the  Hold  of  Ilartcnburg  still  frowned  in  feudal  power 
and  baronial  state,  on  the  well-known  pass  of  the  moun- 
tains, gloomy,  massive,  and  dark.  But  the  hill  of  Limburg 
presented  one  of  those  sad  and  melancholy  proofs  of  the 
effects  of  violence  which  are  still  scattered  over  the  face  of 
the  old  world,  like  so  many  admonitory  beacons  of  the 
scenes  through  Avhich  its  people  have  reached  their  present 
state  of  comparative  security  : — beacons  that  should  be  as 
useful  in  communicating  lessons  for  the  future,  as  they  are 
pregnant  with  pictures  of  the  past. 

The  outer  wall  remained  unharmed,  with  the  single  ex- 
ception of  the  principal  gate,  which  bore  the  indelible 
marks  of  the  smith's  sledges  ;  but  above  this  barrier  the 
work  of  devastation  appeared  in  characters  not  to  be  mis- 
taken. Every  roof,  and  there  had  been  fifty,  was  fallen  ; 
every  wall,  some  of  wliich  were  already  tottering,  was 
blackened  ;  and  not  a  tower  pointed  towards  the  sky  that 
did  not  show  marks  of  the  manner  in  which  the  flames  had 
wreathed  around  its  slender  shaft.  Mere  and  there  a 
small  thread  of  white  smoke  curled  upwards,  losing  itself 
in  the  currents  of  the  air,  resembling  so  many  of  the  les- 
sening symptoms  of  a  volcano  after  an  explosion.  A  small 
crucifix,  which  popular  rumor  said  was  wood,  but  which, 
in  fact,  was  of  painted  stone,  still  kept  its  place  on  a  gable 
of  the  ruined  chiuxh  ;  and  many  a  peasant  addressed  to  it 
his  silent  prayers,  firm  in  the  belief  that  God  liad  protected 
this  image  of  His  sacrifice,  throughout  the  terrors  of  the 
memorable  night. 

In  and  about  the  castle,  there  appeared  the  usual  evi- 
dences of  a  distrustful  watcli  ; — such  ward  as  is  kept  by 
him  who  feels  that  he  has  justly  bec(jme  obnoxious  to  the 
hand  of  the  constituted  powers.  The  gates  were  closed  ; 
the  sentinels  on  the  walls  and  bastions  were  doubled  ;  and, 
from  time  to  time,  signals  were    made  that  commiuiicated 


256  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

with  lookouts,  so  stationed  on  the  hills  that  they  could 
command  views  of  the  roads  which  led  toward  the  Rhine, 
beyond  the  gorge  of  the  valley. 

The  scene  in  Duerckheim  was  different,  though  it  also 
had  some  points  of  resemblance  with  that  in  tfie  hold. 
There  was  the  same  apprehension  of  danger  from  without, 
the  same  watchfulness  on  the  walls  and  in  the  towers,  and 
the  same  unusual  display  of  an  armed  force.  But  in  a  town 
of  this  description,  it  was  not  easy  to  imitate  the  gloomy 
reserve  of  baronial  state.  The  citizens  grouped  together 
in  the  streets,  the  women  gossiped  as  in  all  sudden  and 
Btrong  cases  of  excitement,  and  even  the  children  appeared 
to  reflect  the  uneasiness  and  indecision  of  their  parents  ; 
for  as  the  hand  of  authority  relaxed  in  their  seniors,  most 
wandered  idly  and  vaguely  among  the  men,  listening  to 
catch  such  loose  expressions  as  might  enlighten  their 
growing  understandings.  The  shops  were  opened,  as 
usual,  but  many  stopped  to  discourse  at  the  doors,  while 
few  entered  ;  and  most  of  the  artisans  wasted  their  time  in 
speculations  on  the  consequence  of  the  hardy  step  of  their 
superiors. 

In  the  meantime  there  was  a  council  held  in  the  town- 
hall.  Here  were  assembled  all  who  laid  claim  to  civic 
authority  in  Duerckheim,  with  some  who  appeared  under 
the  claim  of  their  services  in  the  late  assault  upon  the 
monks.  A  few  of  the  anxious  wives  of  the  burghers,  also, 
were  seen  collected  in  the  more  public  rooms  of  the  build- 
ing ;  for  domestic  influence  was  neither  covert  nor  trifling 
in  that  uxorious  and  simple  community.  We  shall  resume 
the  narrative  within  the  walls  of  this  municipal  edifice. 

The  Burgomaster  and  other  chief  men  were  much  moved 
by  the  vague  apprehension  which  was  the  consequence  of 
their  hazardous  experiment.  Some  were  bold  in  the  au- 
dacity of  success ;  some  doubted  merely  because  the  de- 
struction of  the  brotherhood  seemed  too  great  a  good  to 
come  unmixed  with  evil  ;  some  held  their  opinions  in  sus- 
pense, waiting  for  events  to  give  a  value  to  their  predic- 
tions, and  others  shook  their  heads  in  a  manner  that  would 
appear  to  imply  a  secret  knowledge  of  consequences  that 
were  not  apparent  to  vulgar  faculties.  The  latter  class  was 
more  remarkable  for  its  pretension  to  exclusive  merit  tlian 
for  numbers,  and  would  have  been  equally  prompt  to  ex- 
aggerate the  advantages  of  the  recent  measure  had  the 
public  pulse  just  then   been  beating  on   the  access.     But 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  257 

tlie  public  pulse  was  on  the  decline,  and,  as  we  have  said, 
seeing-  and  understanding  all  the  advantages  that  were  to 
be  hoped  from  the  defeat  of  Bonifacius,  uncertainty  quick- 
ened most  imaginations  in  a  manner  to  conjure  disagreea- 
ble pictures  of  the  future.  Even  Heinrich,  who  wanted  for 
neither  moral  nor  pliysical  resolution,  was  disturbed  at  his 
own  victory,  though  if  questioned  he  could  scarcely  have 
told  the  reason  why.  This  imeasiness  was  heiglitened  by 
the  fact  that  most  of  his  compeers  regarded  him  as  the 
man  on  whom  the  weight  of  the  Church's  and  of  the 
Elector's  displeasure  was  most  likely  to  fall,  though  it  is 
more  than  probable  that  his  situation  would  have  been  far 
less  prominent  had  there  been  no  question  of  any  results 
but  such  as  were  agreeable. 

This  sort  of  distinction,  so  isolated  in  defeat,  and  so  so- 
cial in  prosperity,  is  a  species  of  revenge  that  society 
is  very  apt  to  take  of  all  who  pretend  to  be  wiser  or 
better  than  itself  by  presuming  to  point  the  way  in 
cases  of  doubtful  expediency,  or  in  presuming  to  lead  the 
way  in  those  that  require  decision  and  nerve.  He  alone  is 
certain  of  an  unenvied  reputation  who,  in  preceding  the 
main  body  in  the  great  march  of  events,  leaves  no  very 
sensible  space  between  him  and  his  fellows  ;  while  he  alone 
can  hope  for  impunity  who  keeps  so  near  his  backers  as 
to  be  able  to  confound  liimself  in  the  general  mass  when 
singularity  brings  comment  and  censure. 

Heinricli  fully  felt  the  awkwardness  of  his  position, 
and,  just  then,  he  would  gladly  have  compounded  for  less  of 
the  fame  acquired  by  the  bold  manner  in  wliichhe  had  led 
the  attack,  in  order  to  be  rid  of  some  of  his  anxiety.  Still 
a  species  of  v^rarlike  instinct  led  him  to  put  the  best  face 
on  the  affair,  and  when  he  addressed  his  colleagues,  it  was 
with  cheerfulness  in  his  tones,  however  little  there  might 
have  been  of  that   desirable  feeling  in  his  heart. 

"Well,  brethren,"  he  said,  looking  around  at  the  knot  of 
well-known  faces  which  surrounded  him  in  the  gravity  of 
civic  authority,  "  tliis  weighty  matter  is,  at  length,  happily, 
and,  as  it  has  bc^cn  effected  williout  bkjudslied,  I  may  say, 
peaceably  over!  The  Benedictines  are  departed,  and 
though  the  excellent  Abb(Jt  hatli  taken  post  in  a  neighbor- 
ing Abbey,  whence  he  sends  forth  brave  words  to  frighten 
those  who  are  unused  to  more  dangerous  missiles,  it  will 
be  long  before  we  shall  again  hear  Limburg  bell  tolling  in 
the  Jaegerthal." 

17 


358  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

'*  For  that  I  can  swear,"  said  the  smith,  who  was  among 
the  inferiors  that  crowded  a  corner  of  the  hall,  occupying 
as  little  space  as  possible  in  deference  to  their  head-men  ; 
— "  my  own  sledge  hath  helped  to  put  the  fine-tuned  in- 
strument out  of  tune  !" 

"  We  are  now  met  to  hear  further  propositions  from  the 
monks  ;  but  as  the  hour  set  for  the  arrival  of  their  agent 
is  not  yet  come,  we  can  lighten  the  moments  by  such 
discourse  as  the  circumstances  may  seem  to  require. 
Hast  anything  to  urge  that  will  ease  the  minds  of  the 
timid,  brother  Wolfgang  ? — if  so,  of  God's  name,  give  it 
utterance,  that  we  may  know  the  worst  at  once." 

The  affinity  between  Wolfgang  and  Heinrich  existed  al- 
together in  their  civic  relations.  The  former,  although  he 
coveted  the  anticipated  advantages  that  were  to  result 
from  the  downfall  of  Limburg,  had  a  constitutional  defer- 
ence for  all  superior  power,  and  Avas  unable  to  enjoy  the 
triumph  without  the  bitterest  misgivings  concerning  the 
displeasure  of  the  Elector  and  Rome.  He  was  aged,  too 
— a  fact  that  served  to  heighten  the  tremor  of  tones,  that, 
by  a  very  general  convention,  are  termed  raven. 

"  It  is  wise  to  call  upon  the  experienced  and  wise,  for 
counsel,  in  pressing  straits,"  returned  the  old  burgher, 
"  for  years  teach  the  folly  of  everything  human,  inclining 
us  to  look  at  the  world  with  moderation,  and  with  less  love 
for  ourselves  and  our  interests " 

"  Brother  Wolfgang,  thou  art  not  yet  yielding  so  fast  as 
thou  wouldest  have  us  believe,"  interrupted  Heinrich,  who 
particularly  disliked  any  discouraging  views  of  the  future. 
"  Thou  art  but  a  boy — the  difference  between  us  cannot  be 
greater  than  some  five-and-twenty  years." 

"  Not  that,  not  that ; — I  count  but  tliree-and-seventy, 
and  thou  mayest  fairly  number  fifty-and-five." 

"Thou  heapest  honors  on  me  I  little  deserve,  friend 
Wolfgang.  I  shall  not  number  the  days  thou  namest  these 
many  months,  and  time  marches  fast  enough  without  any 
fillips  from  us  to  help  him.  If  I  have  yet  seen  more  than 
fifty-four,  may  my  fathers  arise  from  their  graves  to 
claim  the  little  they  left  behind,  when  they  took  leave  of 
earth  ! " 

''Words  will  make  neither  young,  but  I  could  wish  we 
had  found  means  to  lay  this  unquiet  spirit  of  Limburg, 
without  so  much  violence  and  danger  to  ourselves.  I  am 
old,  and  have  little  interest  in  life,  except  to  see  those  who 


THE   HEIDENMAUER. 


259 


will  come  after  me  happy  and  peaceful.  Thou  knowest 
that  I  have  neither  chick  nor  child,  neighbor  Heinrich, 
and  the  heart  of  such  a  man  can  only  beat  for  all.  'Twere, 
indeed,  folly  in  me  to  think  of  much  else  than  of  that  great 
future  which  lies  before  us." 

"  Sapperment !  "  exclaimed  the  smith,  who  was  disposed 
to  presume  a  little  on  the  spirit  he  had  shown  in  the  late 
attack. — '*  Worshipful  Burgomaster,  were  Mabter  Wolfgang 
to  deal  out  some  of  his  stores  a  little  freely  to  the  Bene- 
dictines, the  whole  affair  might  be  quietly  settled,  and 
Duerckheim  would  be  a  great  gainer.  I  warrant  you  now, 
that  Bonifacius  would  be  glad  to  receive  a  wxU-told  sum 
in  gold,  without  question  or  farther  account,  in  lieu  of  his 
lodgings  and  fare  in  Limburg,  of  which  he  was  only  a  life- 
tenant  at  best.  At  least  such  had  been  my  humor,  an'  it 
had  pleased  Heaven  to  have  made  me  a  Benedictine,  and 
Bonifacius  a  smith." 

"  And  where  is  this  gold  to  be  had,  bold-speaking  arti- 
san ? "  demanded  the  aged  burgher,  severely. 

"Where  but  from  your  untouched  stores,  A'enerable 
Wolfgang,"  answered  the  single-minded  smith  ;  "thou  art 
old,  father,  and,  as  thou  truly  sayest,  without  offspring  ; 
the  hold  of  life  is  getting  loose,  and  to  deal  with  thee  in 
frankness,  I  see  no  manner  in  which  the  evil  may  be  so 
readily  turned  from  our  town." 

"  Peace,  senseless  talker  !  dost  think  thy  betters  have  no 
other  employment  for  their  goods  than  to  cast  them  to  tlie 
winds,  as  thy  sparks  scatter  at  the  stroke  of  the  sledge  ? 
The  little  I  have  hath  been  gained  with  sore  toil  and  much 
saving,  and  it  may  yet  be  needed  to  keep  want  and  beg- 
gary from  my  door.  Nay,  nay,  when  we  are  young  we 
think  the  dirt  may  be  turned  to  g^^hl  ;  hot  blood  and  lusty 
limbs  cause  us  to  believe  man  equal  to  any  labor,  aye,  even 
to  living  without  food  ;  but  wlicn  experience  and  tribula- 
tion have  taught  us  truth,  we  C(jme  to  know,  neighbors,  the 
value  of  pence.  1  am  of  a  long-living  stock.  Heaven  help 
us!  and  there  is  greater  likelihood  oi  mv  yet  becoming  a 
charge  to  the  town  than  of  my  ever  doing  a  tithe  of  that 
this  heedless  smith  hath  hinted." 

"By  St.  Benedict,  master!  I  hinted  nauglit  ;  what  I  said 
was  in  plain  W(jrds,  and  it  is  this,  that  one  so  venerable  for 
his  years,  and  so  respected  for  his  means,  might  do  great 
g(jod  in  this  stinit !  Such  an  act  would  sweeten  the  few 
days  thou  yet  hast." 


26o  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

"  Get  thee  away,  fellow ;  thou  talkest  of  death  an'  it 
were  a  joke.  Do  not  the  young  go  to  their  graves  as  well 
as  the  old,  and  are  there  not  instances  of  thousands  that 
have  outlived  their  means  ?  No,  I  much  fear  that  this 
matter  will  not  be  appeased  without  mulcting  the  artisans 
in  heavy  sums  ; — but  happily,  most  that  belong  to  the 
crafts  are  young  and  able  to  pay! " 

The  reply  of  the  smith,  who  was  getting  warm  in  a  dis- 
pute in  which  he  believed  all  the  merit  was  on  his  own 
side,  was  cut  short  by  a  movement  among  the  populace, 
who  crowded  the  outer  door  of  the  town-house  ;  the  burgh- 
ers seemed  uneasy,  as  if  they  saw  a  crisis  was  near,  and 
then  a  beadle  announced  the  arrival  of  a  messenger  from 
the  routed  community  of  Limburg.  The  civic  authorities 
of  Duerckheim,  although  assembled  expressly  with  the  ex- 
pectation of  such  a  visit,  were,  like  all  men  of  but  indif- 
ferently regulated  minds,  taken  by  surprise  at  the  moment. 
Nothing  was  digested,  no  plan  of  operations  had  been 
proposed,  and,  although  all  had  dreamed  for  several  nights 
of  the  very  subject  before  them,  not  one  of  them  all  had 
thought  upon  it.  Still  it  was  now  necessary  to  act,  and 
after  a  little  bustle,  which  had  no  other  object  than  an  idle 
attempt  to  impose  upon  the  senses  of  the  messenger  by  a 
senseless  parade,  orders  were  given  that  the  latter  should 
be  admitted. 

The  agent  of  the  monks  w^as  himself  a  Benedictine. 
He  entered  the  hall,  attended  only  by  the  city-guard  who 
had  received  him  at  the  gate,  with  his  cowl  so  far  drawn 
upon  his  head  as  to  conceal  the  features.  There  was  a  mo- 
ment of  curiosity,  and  the  name  of  "  Father  Siegfried"  was 
whispered  from  one  to  another,  as  each  judged  of  the  man 
by  the  exterior. 

"  Uncover,  of  Heaven's  mercy!  Father,"  said  Heinrich, 
*'and  seat  thyself  as  freely  in  the  town-hall  of  Duerck- 
heim as  if  thou  wert  at  thy  ease  in  the  ancient  cloisters  of 
Limburg.  We  are  lions  in  the  attack,  but  harmless  as  thy 
marble  cherubs  when  there  is  not  occasion  for  your  true 
manly  qualities  ;  so  take  thy  seat,  of  God's  name  !  and  be 
of  good  cheer  ; — none  will  harm  thee." 

The  voice  of  the  Burgomaster  lost  its  confidence  as  ho 
concluded.  The  Benedictine  was  calmly  removing  the 
cowl  ;  and  when  the  cloth  fell,  it  exposed  the  respected 
features  of  Father  Arnolph. 

**  He  that  comes  in  the  service  of  Him    I  call  master, 


THE   IIF.IDENMAUER.  261 

needeth  not  this  assiirnncc,"  answered  the  monk  ;  *' still  I 
rejoice  to  find  ye  in  this  mood,  and  not  bent  on  maintain- 
ing an  original  error,  by  further  outrages.  It  is  never  too 
late  to  see  our  faults,  nor  yet  to  repair  them." 

"  I  cry  thy  mercy,  Holy  Prior !  we  had  taken  thee  for  a 
very  different  member  of  the  fraternity,  and  thou  art  not 
the  less  welcome  for  being  him  thou  art." 

Heinrich  arose  respectfully,  and  his  example  was  fol- 
lowed by  all  present.  The  Prior  seemed  pleased,  and  a 
glow,  like  that  which  a  benevolent  hope  creates,  passed 
athwart  his  countenance.  With  perfect  simplicity  he  took 
the  offered  stool,  as  the  least  obtrusive  manner  of  induc- 
ing the  burghers  to  resume  their  seats.  The  experiment 
produced  the  effect  he  intended. 

"  I  should  pretend  to  an  indifference  I  do  not  feel,  were 
I  to  say,  Heinrich  Frey,  that  I  come  among  you,  men  to 
whom  I  have  often  administered  the  rites  of  the  Church 
during  long  and  watchful  years,  without  the  wish  to  find 
that  my  ministrations  arc  remembered." 

'*  If  there  dwelleth  knave  in  Duerckheim  whose  heart 
hath  not  been  touched  by  thy  good  works.  Father,  the 
hound  is  without  bowels,  and  unfit  to  live  among  honest 
people." 

"  Most  true  !  "  exclaimed  the  smith,  in  his  audible  by- 
play. "  The  Burgomaster  doth  us  all  justice  !  I  never 
struck  spark  from  iron  more  freely  than  I  will  render  re- 
spect to  the  most  reverend  Prior.  His  prayers  are  like 
tried  steel,  and  next  to  those  of  him  of  the  hermitage  arc 
in  most  esteem  among  us.  Fill  me  an  abbey  with  such 
men,  and  for  one  I  shall  be  ready  to  trust  all  our  salvation 
to  their  godliness,  without  thought  or  concern  for  our- 
selves. Sapperment  !  could  such  a  community  be  found, 
it  would  be  a  great  relief  to  the  laymen,  and  more  partic- 
ularly to  your  artisan,  who  might  turn  all  his  thoughts  to 
his  craft,  with  the  certainty  of  being  watched  by  men  ca- 
pable of  setting  the  quickest-witted  devil  at  defiance  !  " 

Arnolph  listened  to  this  digression  witii  patience,  and 
he  acknowledged  the  courtesy  and  friendliness  of  his  re- 
ception by  a  slow  inclination  of  the  head.  He  was  too 
much  accustf)nied  to  hear  these  temporal  applications  of 
the  spiritual  interests  of  which  he  was  a  minister,  to  be 
surprised  at  anything  ;  and  he  was  too  meek  on  the  sub- 
ject of  his  own  deserving,  to  (l('S]-)isc  any  because  they  were 
weaker  than  himself.     The  Christian  religion  seems  to  be 


262  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

divided  into  two  great  classes  of  worshippers  ;  those  who 
think  its  consolations  are  most  palpable  in  tlieir  direct  and 
worldly  form,  and  those  whose  aspirations  are  so  spiritual- 
ized, and  whose  thoughts  are  so  sublimated  as  to  consider 
it  a  metaphysical  theory,  in  whicli  the  principal  object  is 
to  preserve  the  logical  harmony.  For  ourselves,  we  be- 
lieve it  to  be  a  dispensation  from  God  to  those  of  his 
creatures  who  are  fearfully  composed  of  the  material  and 
immaterial,  and  that  so  far  as  it  is  connected  with  our  pro- 
bation here,  it  is  never  to  be  considered  as  entirely  distinct 
from  one  or  the  other  of  the  great  attributes  of  our  nature. 
It  is  evident  that  such  were  not  the  views  of  the  honest 
smith  ;  and  it  is  probable  had  the  matter  been  thoroughly 
sifted,  it  would  have  been  found  that,  as  respects  Duerck- 
heim,  he  was  altogetlier  of  the  popular  party. 

"  Thou  comest.  Father,  like  the  dove  to  the  ark,  the 
bearer  of  the  olive  branch,"  resumed  Heinrich  ;  "though 
for  our  northern  regions  a  leaf  of  tiie  oak  would  more 
likely  have  been  the  emblem,  had  Ararat  been  one  of  these 
well-wooded  hills  of  ours." 

"  I  come  to  offer  the  conditions  of  our  brotherhood,  and 
to  endeavor  to  persuade  the  misguided  in  Duerckheim  to 
accept  them.  The  holy  abbots,  with  the  right  reverend 
fathers  in  God,  the  Bishops  of  Spires  and  Worms,  now  as- 
sembled in  the  latter  city,  have  permitted  me  to  be  the 
bearer  of  their  terms,  an  office  I  have  sought,  lest 
another  should  forget  to  entreat  and  influence  in  the  de- 
sire to  menace." 

"  Gott  bewahre  !  thou  hast  done  well,  as  is  thy  wont,  ex- 
cellent Arnolph  !  Threats  are  about  as  useful  with 
Duerckheim  as  the  holy  water  is  in  our  rhenish,  both  be- 
ing well  enough  in  their  places  ;  but  he  that  cannot  be 
driven  must  be  led,  and  liquor  that  is  right  good  in  itself 
needeth  no  flavor  from  the  Church.  As  for  this  old  mis- 
understanding between  Limburg  of  the  one  side,  and  the 
noble  Count  of  Hartenburg  with  our  unworthy  town  of 
the  other,  the  matter  may  be  said  to  be  now  of  easy  ad- 
justment, since  the  late  events  have  cleared  it  of  its 
greatest  difficulty  ;  and  so,  from  my  heart,  T  wish  thee  joy 
of  thy  mission,  and  felicitate  the  town  that  it  hath  to  treat 
with  one  so  skilful  and  so  reasonable.  Thou  wilt  find  us 
in  a  friendly  humor,  and  ready  to  meet  thee  half-way  ;  for  I 
know  not  the  man  in  Duerckheim  that  desireth  to  push  the 
controversy  a  foot  further,  or  who  is  not  at  heart  content." 


THE   riEIDEISfMAUER.  263 

"  No,  that  would  be  out  of  reason  and  charity,"  said 
the  smith,  speaking  again  among  the  auditors.  "We 
ought  to  show  those  Benedictines  an  example  of  modera- 
tion, neighbors  ;  and  therefore  for  one,  though  no  better 
than  a  poor  artisan  that  gaineth  his  bread  by  blows  on  the 
anvil,  do  I  agree  with  the  worshipful  Heinrich,  and  say,  of 
God's  name  !  let  us  be  reasonable  in  our  demands,  and  be 
content  with  as  little  as  may  be,  in  the  settlement  of  our 
dispute." 

The  Prior  listened  patiently,  as  usual,  but  a  hectic 
glowed,  for  an  instant,  on  his  cheek.  It  disappeared,  and 
the  benevolent  blue  eye  was  again  seen  shining  amid 
features  that  the  cloister  and  the  closet  had  long  since 
robbed  of  all  other  bloom.  "  Ye  know,  burghers,  of 
Duerckheim,"  he  answered,  "  ihac  in  assailing  the  altars  of 
Limburg  ye  set  a  double  power  at  defiance; — that  of  the 
Church,  as  it  is  constituted  and  protected  on  earth,  and 
that  of  God.  My  errand,  at  this  moment,  is  to  speak  of 
tlie  first.  Our  Fatlier  of  Worms  is  sorely  angered,  and  he 
lias  not  failed  to  address  himself  directly  and  promptly  to 
our  Father  at  Rome.  In  addition  to  this  reverend  appeal, 
messengers  have  been  dispatched  to  both  the  Elector  and 
Emperor,  as  well  as  to  divers  of  the  Ecclesiastical  Princes 
who  rule  on  the  banks  of  the  Rhine.  This  is  a  fearful 
array  of  power  to  be  met  by  a  mountain  baron,  and  a  city 
whose  walls  can  be  measured  by  the  leg  in  so  short  a  time. 
But  cliictly  would  I  lay  stress  on  the  evil  that  may  flow 
from  the  displeasure  of  the  Head  of  the  Church." 

"And  should  he  read  the  late  exploit  with  severity,  rev- 
erend Prior,  what  are  we  to  look  to,  as  its  fruits  ? " 

"To  be  denounced  as  excluded  from  the  fold,  and  to  be 
left  to  the  wickedness  and  folly  of  your  own  hearts.  In  a 
word,  excommunication." 

"  Umph  ! — this  might  prove  a  short  way  of  recruiting  the 
folknvers  of  Brother  Luther!  thou  knovvest,  holy  Arnolph, 
that  men  look  more  and  mure  closely,  every  day,  into  these 
disputed  ])oints." 

"  Would  that  they  looked  with  more  humility  and  under- 
standing! If  ye  consider  the  denunciations  and  benedic- 
tions of  him  to  whom  has  been  confided  the  authority  to 
bless  and  to  curse  as  of  little  weight,  no  words  of  mine 
can  heighten  their  effect ;  but  all  among  ye  who  are  not 
])repared  to  ^r^o  the  length  that  your  Burgomaster  hath  just 
hinted,  may  deem  it  prudent   to  pause,  ere   they  incur  the 


264  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

heavy  risk  oi  living  under  such  a  weig^it  of  Heaven's  dis- 
pleasure." 

The  burghers  regarded  each  other  in  doubt,  few  among 
them  being  yet  prepared  to  push  resistance  so  far.  Some 
inwardly  trembled,  for  habit  and  tradition  were  too  strong 
for  the  new  opinions  ;  some  shrewdly  weighed  the  tempo- 
ral rather  than  the  spiritual  consequences,  and  others  ru- 
minated on  the  possibility  of  enduring  the  anathema  in  so 
good  company.  There  are  thousands  that  are  willing  to 
encounter  danger  in  large  bodies,  who  shrink  from  its  haz- 
ards alone  ;  and  perhaps  the  soldier  goes  to  the  charge 
quite  as  much  stimulated  by  the  sympathy  of  association, 
as  he  is  sustained  by  the  dread  of  shame  or  the  desire  of 
renown.  The  civic  counsellors  of  Duerckheim  now  found 
themselves  in  some  such  plight,  and  each  man  felt  assur- 
ance or  doubt,  much  as  he  happened  to  meet  with  either 
of  those  feelings  expressed  in  the  eyes  of  his  neighbor. 

"  Have  ye  any  less  godly  proposition  to  make  ?  "  asked 
Heinrich,  who  perceived  that  the  moral  part  of  his  civic 
support  began  to  waver,  "  for  these  are  points  in  which  we 
are  better  skilled  than  on  those  that  touch  your  doctrinal 
niceties." 

"  I  am  commanded  to  say,  that,  as  becomes  their  divine 
office,  the  brotherhood  of  Limburg  is  disposed  to  pardon 
and  forget,  inasmuch  as  duty  will  allow,  the  late  act  of 
Duerckheim,  on  conditions  that  may  be  named." 

"  Aye,  this  is  Christian-like,  and  will  meet  with  a  ready 
return,  in  our  dispositions.  On  our  side,  too,  holy  Prior, 
there  is  every  wish  to  forget  the  past,  and  to  look  only  to 
a  quiet  and  friendly  future — do  I  interpret  the  intentions 
of  the  town  well,  my  neighbors  ? " 

"  To  the  letter  ! — no  clerk  could  do  it  better." — "  Yes,  we 
are  of  the  community's  mind  ;  it  is  wise  to  live  at  peace, 
and  to  pardon  and  overlook  ; "  were  ready  answers  to  this 
appeal. 

"  Thou  hearest.  Father  !  a  better  mood  no  minister  or 
messenger  need  wish  !  'Fore  Heaven  !  we  are  all  of  one 
mind  in  this  particular  ;  and  I  know  not  that  the  man 
would  find  safety  in  Duerckheim  who  should  talk  of  aught 
but  peace  ! " 

"  It  is  to  be  mourned  that  ye  have  not  always  been  of 
this  humor ;  I  come  not,  however,  to  reproach,  but  to  re- 
claim ;  not  to  defy,  but  to  persuade  ;  not  to  intimidate,  but 
to  convince.     Here  are  the  written  propositions  of  the  holy 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  265 

divines  by  whom  I  am  charged  with  this  office  of  mediator, 
and  I  leave  it  for  a  time  to  your  private  consultations. 
When  ye  shall  have  well  digested  this  fit  offer,  I  will  come 
among  ye  in  peace  and  friendliness." 

The  written  proposals  were  received,  and  the  whole  as- 
sembly rose  to  do  the  Prior  honor.  As  the  latter  left  the 
hall,  he  asked  permission  of  several  of  the  burghers,  among 
whom  was  Heinrich  Frey,  to  visit  their  families,  in  the 
spirit  of  Christian  guardianship.  The  desired  consents 
were  obtained  without  demur  or  doubt,  on  the  part  of  any  ; 
for  whatever  may  be  said  or  thought  of  the  errors  of  pub- 
lic opinion,  it  is  usually  right  where  the  means  are  pos- 
sessed of  at  all  giving  it  a  true  direction.  The  high  esti- 
mation in  which  Arnolph  was  held,  by  the  mere  force  of 
popular  instinct,  was  never  more  plainly  seen  than  on  the 
present  occasion,  when  even  those  who  had  so  lately  warred 
against  the  community,  threw  open  their  doors  without 
reserve  ;  though  it  was  well  known  that  the  late  policy  of 
the  towm  had  many  a  secret  enemy,  and  many  a  bitter  com- 
mentator, in  that  sex  which  is  sometimes  as  slow  to  incite 
to  violence  and  resistance,  as  at  others  it  is  thoughtless  and 
hasty. 


CHAPTER   XXIII. 

"What  well-appointed  leader  fronts  us  here?" — King  Henry  IV. 

The  missive  of  the  monks  was  written  in  Latin.  At  that 
period  few  wrote  but  the  learned,  and  every  noble  or  town 
was  obliged  to  maintain  a  scholar  to  perform  wliatarenow 
the  conunoncst  duties  of  intercourse.  The  clerkly  agent 
of  Duerckheim  had  been  educated  for  the  Church,  and  had 
even  received  the  tonsure  ;  but  some  irregularities  of  life, 
which,  as  it  would  appear,  were  not  within  the  pale  of 
clerical  privileges,  or  which  had  been  so  unguarded  as  to 
bring  scandal  on  the  profession,  compelled  him  to  give  his 
destinies  a  new  direction.  As  happens  with  most  men  who 
have  expended  much  time  and  labor  in  qualifying  them- 
selves for  any  particular  pursuit,  and  who  are  unexpect- 
edly driven  from  its  exercise,  this  individual,  who  was 
named  Ludwig,  and  who  w\as  often  ironically  styled  in 
common  parlance  Father  Ludwig,  never  completely  suc- 
ceeded in  repairing  the  injury  done  by  the  lirst  false  step 


266  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

he  had  made.  His  acquirement  procured  for  him  a  certain 
amcHint  of  consideration,  but  as  he  was  known  to  be  some- 
what free  in  his  manner  of  life,  and,  especially  as  schism 
grew  strong  in  Germany,  a  bold  skeptic  on  most  of  the 
distinctive  doctrines  of  the  Catholic  Church,  he  ever  wore 
about  his  character  some  of  that  fancied  looseness,  which 
insensibly  attaches  itself  to  all  renegades,  whether  their 
motives  be  more  or  less  corrupt.  Still,  as  he  was  known  to 
be  instructed,  the  multitude  ascribed  more  virtue  to  his 
secession  than  it  would  have  imputed  to  the  withdrawal 
from  the  fold  of  fifty  sincere  believers  ;  for  most  believed 
there  were  means  of  judging  that  belonged  to  the  initiated, 
which  did  not  fall  to  the  lot  of  those  who  worshipped  in 
the  outer  court.  We  have  daily  proofs  that  this  weakness 
reaches  into  the  temporal  interests  of  life,  and  that  opin- 
ions are  valued  in  proportion  as  there  is  believed  to  be 
some  secret  means  of  acquiring  information  ;  though  men 
rarely  conceal  any  tiling  that  they  know  which  may  be  re- 
vealed, and  few  indeed  are  disposed  to  "hide  their  lights 
under  a  bushel." 

Ludwig  forgot  no  part  of  the  intonation  or  emphasis, 
while  he  uttered  the  unintelligible  phrases  of  the  monkish 
missive.  His  auditors  listened  the  more  attentively,  be- 
cause they  did  not  understand  a  syllable  of  what  was  said  ; 
attention  seeming  usually  to  be  riveted  in  an  inverse  ratio 
to  the  facilities  of  comprehension.  Perhaps  some  of  the 
higher  dignitaries  flattered  themselves  that  their  inferiors 
might  be  duped  into  the  belief  of  their  attainments  ;  a  fact 
that  could  not  fail  to  increase  their  influence,  since  there 
is  no  better  evidence  of  the  innate  aspirations  of  our  in- 
tellectual being  than  the  universal  deference  that  is  paid 
to  knowledge.  We  have  hazarded  this  supposition 
against  the  civic  authorities  of  Duerckheim,  because  we 
believe  it  depends  upon  a  general  principle  of  human  am- 
bition ;  and  because  in  our  own  case,  we  well  remember 
hearing  out  a  sermon  of  more  than  an  hour's  duration  de- 
livered in  Low  Dutch,  and  in  a  damp  church  in  Holland, 
when  not  a  word,  from  the  text  to  the  benediction,  was 
understood. 

"  Right  learnedly  worded,  and  no  doubt  of  proper  cour- 
tesy !  "  exclaimed  Heinrich,  when  the  letter  was  ended,  and 
while  the  clerk  was  clearing  his  spectacles,  preparatory  to 
the  more  vulgar  version — *'  It  is  a  happy  strife,  neighbors, 
in  which  such  language  passes  between  the  parties  ;  for  it 


THE   ITEIDEN-MAUER.  267 

proves  thnt  charity  is  stronger  than  malice,  and  tliat  rea- 
son is  not  forgotten  merely  because  there  have  been 
blows  !" 

"  I  have  rarely  heard  braver  words,"  answered  a  fellow- 
burgher,  ''or  those  that  are  better  penned  !  " 

"  Potz-tausend  !  "  muttered  tlie  smith  ;  "it  were  almost 
a  sin  to  dispossess  men  that  can  write  thus  !" 

Murmurs  of  approbation  passed  through  the  crowd,  and 
not  an  individual  was  there,  with  the  solitary  exception  of 
a  gaping  idiot  that  had  stolen  into  the  hail,  who  did  not 
affect  to  have  received  more  or  less  pleasiu'e  from  the  com- 
munication. Even  the  idiot  had  his  share  of  satisfaction, 
for,  by  the  pure  force  of  sympathy,  he  caught  gleamings 
of  a  delight  that  seemed  so  strong  and  so  general, 

Ludwig  now  commenced  translating  the  letter  into  the 
harsh,  energetic  German  of  the  Rhine.  The  wonderful 
capabilities  of  the  language  enabled  him  to  convert  the 
generalities  and  comprehensive  terms  of  the  Latin,  with  a 
minuteness  of  signification,  which  put  the  loss  of  any  shade 
of  idea  utterly  out  of  the  question. 

What  the  monks  had  meant,  and  perhaps  even  more, 
was  laboriously,  and  with  malignant  pleasure,  rendered  ; 
and  so  rendered,  as  to  give  to  each  expression  the  fullest 
weight  and  meaning. 

We  have  no  intention  of  attempting  the  office  of  trans- 
lating this  harsh  summons  ourselves,  but  must  be  content 
with  a  brief  summary  of  its  contents.  The  instrument 
opened  with  a  greeting  that  was  not  unlike  those  which 
were  sent,  in  the  first  ages  of  the  present  dispensation, 
from  the  apostles  to  the  churches  of  the  east.  It  then  con- 
tained a  short  but  pointed  narrative  of  the  recent  events, 
which  were  qualified  in  a  way  tliat  the  reader  can  easily 
imagine  ;  it  proceeded  tcj  refer  to  the  spiritual  and  tem- 
poral authorities  from  which  the  brotherhood  had  assur- 
ances of  support  ;  and  it  concluded  by  demanding,  under 
the  penalty  of  incurring  every  earthly  and  heavenly  risk, 
an  enormous  sum  in  gold,  as  a  pecuniary  reparation  for 
tlie  injury  done — a  complete  and  absolute  submission  of 
the  town  to  the  jurisdiction  of  tlie  community,  even  more 
than  was  ever  before  pretended  to — a  public  and  general 
acknowledgment  of  error,  with  a  variety  of  penances  and 
pilgrimages  to  be  performed  by  functionaries  that  were 
named — and  the  delivery  of  Ileinrich  Frey,  with  eleven 
others  of  the  principal  inhabitants,  into  the  Abbot's  hands 


268  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

as  hostages,  until  all  of  these  exactions  and  conditions 
should  be  completely  and  satisfactorily  fulfilled. 

<'"V\rh — e — e — e — w  !  "  whistled  Heinrich,  when  Ludvvig 
ended,  after  a  most  provoking  prolixity,  that  had  com- 
pletely exhausted  tlie  Burgomaster's  patience.  "  Himmel ! 
liere  is  a  victory  that  is  likely  to  cost  us  our  means,  our 
characters,  our  liberties,  our  consciences,  and  our  ease  ! 
Are  the  monks  mad,  Master  Ludwig,  or  art  thou  sporting 
v^ith  our  credulity  : — Do  they  really  speak  of  hostages, 
and  of  gold  ?" 

"  Of  a  surety,  worshipful  Herr,  and  seemingly  with  a 
right  good  will." 

"  Wilt  read  the  part  touching  the  hostages  again,  in  the 
Latin  ;  thou  mayest  have  indiscreetly  overlooked  a  con- 
junction or  a  pronoun,  as  I  think  thou  callest  these  notable 
figures  of  speech." 

"Aye,  it  were  well  to  judge  of  the  letter  by  the  Latin," 
echoed  the  smith  ;  "  one  never  knows  the  quality  of  his 
metal,  at  the  first  touch  of  the  hammer." 

Ludwig  read,  a  second  time,  extracts  in  the  original,  and, 
through  a  species  of  waggery,  by  which  he  often  took  a  se- 
cret and  consolatory  revenge  for  the  indignities  he  fre- 
quently received  from  the  ignorant,  and  which  served  him 
as  food  of  merriment  and  as  a  vent  to  his  confined  humors 
in  occasional  interviews  with  others  of  his  own  class,  he 
gave  with  singular  emphasis  the  terms  of  greeting,  which 
were,  as  usual,  embellished  with  phrases  of  priestly  bene- 
diction, as  the  part  that  especially  demanded  the  prompt 
delivery  of  Heinrich  Freyand  his  fellows  into  the  hands  of 
the  Benedictines. 

"  Gott  bevvahre ! "  cried  the  Burgomaster,  who  had 
shifted  a  leg  each  time  the  clerk  glanced  an  eye  at  him 
over  his  spectacles — "  I  have  other  concerns  than  to  sit  in 
a  cell,  and  Duerckheim  would  fare  but  badly  were  the 
town  left  without  so  large  a  share  of  its  knowledge  and  ex- 
perience. Prithee,  Master  Ludwig,  give  us  the  kinder  lan- 
guage of  these  Benedictines  ;  for  methinks  there  may  be 
found  some  words  of  peace  in  the  blessings  they  bestow." 

The  crafty  clerk  now  read,  in  the  original,  the  strongest 
of  the  denunciations,  and  the  parts  of  the  letter  which  so 
peremptorily  demanded  the  hostages. 

"  How  now,  knave  !  "  said  the  hasty  Burgomaster, "thou 
hast  not  been  faithful  in  thy  former  readings.  Thou  hear- 
est,  neighbors,  I  am  named  especially  in  their  benedictions  ; 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  269 

for  you  must  know,  worthy  burghers,  that  Henricus  means 
Heinrich,  and  Frey  well  pronounced,  is  much  the  same  in 
all  languages.  This  I  know  from  long  experience  in  these 
cunning  instruments.  I  owe  the  reverend  Benedictines 
grace  for  their  goc^d  wishes,  expressed  with  this  particu- 
larity ;  though  the  manner  in  wiiich  they  introduce  the  host- 
ages is  unseemly." 

"  I  thought  when  it  came  to  the  worst,"  muttered  the 
smith,"  that  Master  Heinrich  Avould  be  considered  with  es- 
pecial favor.  This  it  is,  brother  artisans,  to  be  honored  in 
one's  town,  and  to  have  a  name  ! " 

"There  sounds  a  parley  !  "  interrupted  the  Burgomaster. 
"  Can  these  crafty  monks  have  dared  to  trillc  with  us,  by 
sending  the  choicest  of  their  Hock  to  hold  us  in  discourse, 
while  they  steal  upon  us  in  armor?" 

The  idea  was  evidently  impleasant  to  most  of  the  coun- 
cil, and  to  none  more  so  than  to  the  aged  Wolfgang,  whose 
years  would  seem  to  have  given  less  value  to  his  personal 
safety  than  to  the  rest.  Many  quitted  the  hall,  while  those 
that  remained  appeared  to  be  detained  more  by  their  ap- 
prehensions than  by  their  fortitude.  Heinricli,  who  was 
constitutionally  firm,  continued  the  most  undisturbed  of 
them  all,  though  even  he  went  from  window  to  window 
like  a  man  that  was  uneasy. 

"  If  the  godly  villains  have  done  this  treachery,  let  them 
look  to  it — we  are  not  vassals  to  be  hoodwinked  with  a 
cowl ! " 

"  Perhaps,  worshij)ful  and  wise  Heinrich,"  said  the  crafty 
Ludwig,"  they  send  the  trumpet,  in  readiness  to  receive  the 
hostages." 

"  Tlie  holy  Magi  curse  them,  and  their  impudent  hmg- 
winded  musician! — How  now,  fellow! — who  maketh  this 
tan — ta — ra — ra — at  our  c^ate  ?" 

"The  noble  Count  of  Hartenburg  is  at  the  valley  side 
of  the  town,  honorable  Burgomaster,  with  a  stout  troop  of 
mounted  followers,"  annoiniced  the  breatliless  runner, 
who  came  on  this  errand.  "He  cliafes  at  the  delay,  but 
as  the  order  to  keep  fast  is  so  rigid,  the  captain  of  the 
watch  dares  not  unbar  and  unbolt  without  permission 
had." 

"  Bid  the  valiant  and  faithful  burgher  undo  his  fasten- 
ings, o'  Heaven's  name  ! — and  riglit  speedily.  We  should 
have  betliought  us,  excellent  neighbors,  of  the  chances  of 
this  visit,  and  had  a  care   that  our  princely  friend  were 


270 


THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


without  this  cause  of  complaint.  But  we  should  rejoice, 
too,  that  our  people  are  so  true,  as  to  keep  their  trust  even 
against  one  so  known  and  honored.  I  warrant  ye,  neigh- 
bors, were  it  the  imperial  Karl  himself,  he  would  fare  no 
better " 

Heinrich  was  interrupted  while  vaunting  and  extolling 
the  civic  discipline,  by  the  tramping  of  horses'  feet  on  the 
pavement  below  the  windows,  and  on  looking  out  he  saw 
Emich  and  all  his  cortege  coolly  alighting. 

"  Umph  !  "  ejaculated  the  Burgomaster — "  go  forth,  and 
do  reverence  to  my  Lord  the  Count." 

The  council  awaited  in  deep  silence  the  appearance  of 
their  visitor.  Emich  entered  the  hall  with  the  assured  step 
of  a  superior,  and  with  a  countenance  that  was  clouded. 
He  bowed  to  the  salutations  of  the  council,  signed  for  his 
armed  followers  to  await  at  the  door,  and  walked  himself 
to  the  seat  which  Heinrich  had  previously  vacated,  and 
which  in  truth  was  virtually  the  throne  cjf  Duerckheim. 
Placing  his  heavy  form  in  the  chair,  with  the  air  of  one 
accustomed  to  fill  it,  he  again  bowed,  and  made  a  gesture 
of  the  hand,  which  the  burghers  understood  to  be  an  invi- 
tation to  be  seated.  With  doubting  faces  the  awed  authori- 
ties submitted,  receiving  that  permission  as  a  boon,  which 
tliey  were  ready  so  lately  themselves  to  urge  as  a  civility. 
Heinrich  looked  surprised,  but,  accustomed  to  pay  great 
deference  to  his  noble  friend,  he  returned  the  bow  and 
smile — for  he  was  especially  saluted  with  a  smile — and 
took  the  second  place. 

"  It  was  not  well,  my  worthy  townsmen,  to  close  your 
gates  thus  churlislily  against  me,"  commenced  the  baron  ; 
"  there  are  rights  and  honors  that  ouglit  to  be  respected, 
at  all  hours  and  seasons,  and  I  marvel  that  this  need  be 
taught  to  the  Duercklicimers  by  a  Count  of  Leiningen. 
I  and  my  train  were  held  at  parlance  at  your  barriers,  an' 
we  had  been  so  many  wandering  gipsies,  or  some  of  the 
free  bands  that  sell  their  arquebuses  and  lances  to  the 
highest  bidder ! " 

"  That  there  may  have  been  some  little  delay,  my  Lord 
Count — "  answered  Heinrich 

"Little,  Burgomaster!  dost  thou  call  that  little  which 
keeps  a  noble  of  Leiningen  chafing  at  a  gate,  amid  dust 
and  heat,  and  gaping  moutlis  ?  thou  knowest  not  the  spirit 
of  our  steeds,  Hcrr  Frey,  if  thou  imaginest  they  like  such 
sudden   checks   of    the   curb.     We   are   of    high    mettle, 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  271 

horses  and  riders,  and  must  have  our  way  when  fairly 
spurred ! " 

"There  was  every  desire,  nobly  born  Emich,  to  do  you 
honor,  and  to  undo  our  bolts  as  speedily  as  might  be  done ; 
for  this  end  we  were  about  to  depute  the  necessary  orders, 
when  we  were  suddenly  favored  with  your  gracious  and 
high  dispensing  company.  We  doubt  not  that  the  captain 
of  the  watch  reasoned  with  himself,  and  did  that,  of  good 
intention  and  of  his  own  accord,  which  he  would  speedily 
have  been  called  upon  to  do,  by  our  commands." 

"  God's  truth  !  that  may  not  prove  so  true,"  answered 
Emich,  laughing.  "Our  impatience  was  stronger  than 
your  bolts,  and  lest  the  same  oversight  might  renew  the 
inconvenience,  we  found  means  to  enter  with  little  for- 
mality." 

The  burghers  in  general  seemed  greatly  troubled,  and 
Heinrich  as  greatly  surprised.  The  baron  saw  that 
enough  had  been  said  for  the  moment ;  and  assuming  a 
more  gracious  mien,  he  continued  in  another  strain. 

"Well,  loving  townsmen,"  he  said,  "it  is  now  a  happy 
week,  since  all  our  desires  have  been  accomplished.  The 
Benedictines  are  defeated,  the  Jaegertlial  is  at  peace  and 
under  the  sway  of  its  rightful  lord,  and  yet  tlie  sun  rises 
and  sets  as  before,  the  heavens  seem  as  smiling,  the  rains 
as  refreshing,  and  all  our  liupes  as  reasonable  as  of  old ! 
There  is  to  be  no  miracle  in  tiieir  behalf,  Herr  Heinrich, 
and  we  may  fain  sleep  in  peace." 

'■'■  That  may  depend,  Lord  Count,  on  other  humors  than 
ours.  Here  are  reports  abroad  that  are  anything  but 
pleasant  to  the  car,  and  our  honest  townsmen  are  troubled 
lest,  after  doing  good  service  in  behalf  of  their  betters, 
they  may  yet  be  made  to  pay  all  the  charges  of  the 
victory." 

"Set  their  hearts  at  peace,  worthy  Burgomaster,  for  I 
have  not  thrust  a  hand  into  the  ecclesiastical  flame,  with- 
out thought  of  keey)ing  it  from  being  scorched.  Thou 
knowcst  I  have  friends,  and  'twill  not  be  easy  to  put  a 
Count  of  Leiningen  to  the  ban." 

"  Nay,  we  doubt  but  little,  illustrious  noble,  of  your 
safety,  and  of  your  house's  ;  our  fear  is  for  o'luselves." 

"Thou  hast  only  to  lean  on  me,  Master  Frey.  When 
the  tie  between  us  shall  be  explained  more  clearly  to  the 
Em[)eror  and  the  l)iet,  and  when  our  loving  wishes,  as  re- 
spects each  other,  shall  be  better  understood,  all  will  know 


272  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

that  to  strike  Ducrckheim  is  to  aim  a  blow  at  me.  Whence 
Cometh  this  sudden  fear,  for  last  reports  touching  your 
condition  said  that  the  town  was  firm  of  heart,  and  bent 
on  joining  Luther,  rather  than  confess  ?" 

"  Sapperment !  the  heart  must  not  always  be  judged  by 
the  countenance  !  Here  is  the  smith,  w^ho  is  seldom  of  a 
brigiit  visage,  but  were  it  said  that  his  heart  is  as  black  as 
his  face,  great  injustice  would  be  done  the  man." 

A  movement  and  a  murmur  betrayed  the  admiration  of 
those  who  crowded  the  door,  at  this  figure  of  the  Burgo- 
master. 

"  Thou  hast  some  reason  for  this  sudden  despondency  ?" 
rejoined  the  Count,  glancing  a  look  of  indifference  at  the 
artisans. 

''Why,  to  speak  the  truth,  Lord  Emich,  Bonifacius  hath 
sent  us  a  missive,  w^ritten  in  very  fair  Latin,  and  in  a 
scholarly  manner,  that  threatens  us  to  a  man  with  every 
Christian  wish,  from  plagues  to  downright  incurable  dam- 
nation." 

"  And  art  thou  troubled,  Heinrich,  at  a  scrawl  of  unin- 
tellia^ible  words  ! " 

*'  1  know  not  what  is  to  be  understood,  Flerr  Count,  if  a 
demand  for  Heinrich  Frey,  with  eleven  others  of  our  most 
respected,  as  iiostages,  doubtless  to  be  kept  from  their  af- 
fairs in  some  convent  cells,  on  hard  fare,  and  hard  pen- 
ance, for  weary  months,  be  not  plain  !  To  this  they  add 
demands  for  gold,  with  pilgrimages,  and  penances,  and 
other  godly  recreations." 

"  By  whose  hand  got  ye  this  ? " 

"  By  that  of  the  honest  Prior,  a  man  of  so  much  bowels, 
that  I  marvel  he  should  be  the  bearer  of  a  message  so  un- 
welcome and  so  uncharitable.  But  the  best  of  us  have  our 
moments  of  weakness,  for  all  are  not  always  thoughtful  or 
just." 

"  Ha  !  Arnolph  is  afoot ! — Hath  he  departed  ? " 

''  He  tarries,  my  good  lord  ;  for  look  you,  we  have  not 
yet  determined  on  the  fashion  of  our  reply." 

"  Thou  wouldst  not  have  thought  of  sending  answer, 
without  taking  counsel  of  me,  Herr  Frey !  "  said  Emich, 
sharply,  and  much  in  the  manner  that  a  parent  reproves 
his  child.  "  I  am  luckily  arrived,  and  the  matter  shall  be 
looked  to.      Have  ye  bethought  ye  of  the  fitting  terms  ? " 

"  No  doubt  all  have  bethought  them  much,  though  as 
yet,  none  have  uttered  their  secret   opinions.     For  one,  I 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  273 

cry  out  loudly  against  all  hostages,  though  none  could  be 
readier  than  1  to  undergo  this  risk  to  serve  the  town  ;  but 
it  is  admitting  an  error  in  too  plain  evidence,  and  carrieth 
with  it  a  confession  that  our  faith  is  not  to  be  depended 
on." 

This  sentiment,  which  had  long  been  struggling  in  Hein- 
rich's  breast,  met  with  an  audible  echo  in  that  of  everyone 
of  the  eleven  who  were  likely,  by  situation  and  years,  to 
be  chosen  for  this  honorable  distinction  ;  and  every  man 
among  them  uttered  some  proper  phrase  concerning  the 
value  of  character,  and  the  necessity  of  so  demeaning  them- 
selves, as  not  to  cheapen  that  of  Duerckheim.  Emich  lis- 
tened coolly,  for  it  was  of  great  indifference  to  him  how 
much  the  burghers  were  alarmed,  since  their  fears  could 
only  induce  them  the  more  to  seek  support  from  his  in- 
terest and  power. 

"Thou  hast  then  refused  the  conditions  ?" 

"  We  have  done  nothing,  Herr  Count,  but  we  have 
thought  much  and  sorely,  as  hath  just  been  said.  I  take 
it,  the  gold  and  tlie  hc^stagcs  will  find  but  little  favor 
among  us  ;  but,  rather  than  keep  the  Palatinate  in  a  dis- 
turbed and  insecure  state,  and  as  we  are  quiet  burghers, 
who  look  to  peace  and  the  means  of  getting  their 
])read,  our  answer  may  not  be  so  short,  could  the 
matter  be  brought  down  to  a  few  chosen  penitents  and 
pilgrimages.  Thougli  half  of  Brother  Luther's  mind  in 
many  things,  it  were  well  to  get  quit  of  even  the  chances' 
of  damnation,  for  a  few  sore  feet  and  stripes,  that  might  be 
so  managed  as  to  do  little  civic  harm." 

"  By  the  lineage  of  my  house  !  excellent  Heinrich,  thou 
dost  but  echo  my  thoughts.  The  Prior  is  a  man  with 
bowels,  and  this  matter  shall  be  speedily  arranged.  We 
must  bethink  us  of  the  details,  for  these  monks  are  close 
calculators,  and  on  a  time  are  said  to  have  outwitted  Luci- 
fer.     First  then,  there  shall  be  an  offering  of  gold." 

"Nay,  my  Lord  Count  will  consider  the  means  of  our 
town  !  " 

"Peace,  honest  Ilcinrich,"  whispered  Emich,  leaning  to- 
waid  the  place  where  the  Burgomaster  and  two  or  three 
of  the  principal  members  of  the  council  sat — "  We  have 
acc(junts  from  the  Hebrews  at  Ko(;ln,  which  say  the  Lim- 
burg  treasures  mav  be  well  applic.'d,  in  this  manner,  to 
purcliase  a  little  peace.  We  will  be  liberal  as  becomes  our 
names,"  lie  n(jw  spoke  to  all,  "and  not  send  the  brother- 
18 


274  THE   HEIDENMAURR. 

hood  naked  into  a  world,  which  is  getting  every  day  less 
disposed  to  clothe  them  ;  we  must  drain  our  coffers  rather 
than  they  should  starve,  and  this  point  may  be  looked 
upon  as  settled.  As  for  our  penitents  and  pilgrims,  the 
castle  and  the  town  shall  equally  furnish  a  share.  I  can 
send  the  lieutenant  of  my  men-at-arms,  who  hath  a  nimble 
foot — Gottlob  the  cow-herd,  to  whom  punishment  is  fairly 
due,  on  many  general  accounts — and  others  doubtless  that 
may  be  found.  What  good,  of  this  nature,  can  Duerck- 
heim  supply  ? " 

"  We  are  a  homely  people,  high-born  Graf,  and  having 
fewer  virtues  than  our  betters,  are  not  so  well  gifted  either 
in  vices.  As  becometh  a  middle  state,  we  are  content 
with  no  great  excess  in  the  one  or  the  other  of  the  more 
striking  qualities  ;  and  yet  I  doubt  not,  neighbors,  that  at 
need  there  might  be  among  us  men  who  would  not  fare 
the  worse  for  wholesome  correction  and  fitting  penances  ?" 

Heinrich  looked  about  him,  in  an  inquiring  manner, 
while  each  burgher  passed  the  investigation  on  to  the  next, 
as  men  forward  a  glance  that  they  wish  to  think  has  no 
application  to  themselves.  The  crowd  at  the  door  recoiled 
a  pace,  and  heads  wxre  turned  curiously,  and  eyes  roamed 
among  the  inferiors,  with  quite  as  much  expression  as  had 
just  been  done  by  their  superiors, 

**  There  are  delinquents,  young  and  thoughtless  varlets, 
who  vex  the  town  with  their  ribaldry  and  noise,  that  it 
might  do  to  scourge  with  the  Church's  rod," — suggested 
the  tremulous  and  aged  Wolfgang. 

"  St.  Benedict  will  be  put  off  with  none  of  these,"  bluffly 
answered  the  Burgomaster  ;  "  he  must  have  men  of  sub- 
stance and  of  some  esteem,  or  the  affair  will  be  as  far  as 
ever  from  a  happy  conclusion.  What  thinkest  thou,  honest 
and  patriotic  Dietrich  ? — Thou  hast  a  constitution  to  en- 
dure, and  a  heart  of  iron." 

*'  Tausend  sex  und  zwanzig  !  "  returned  the  smith  ;  "  you 
little  know  all  my  ailings,  most  worshipful  masters,  if  you 
tliink  I  am  near  this  force  !  I  have  difficulties  of  breath, 
that  are  only  at  peace  near  the  heat  of  the  forge,  and  my 
heart  gets  soft  as  a  feather  on  a  journey.  Then  there  is  the 
wife  and  the  young  to  wail  my  absence,  and  I  am  not 
scholar  enough  to  repeat  a  prayer  more  than  some  six  or 
ten  times  in  a  day." 

This  excuse  did  not  appear  to  satisfy  the  council,  who, 
acting  on  that  principle  of  exaction  which  is  found  among 


THE    FIEIDENMAUER.  275 

all  people  and  in  all  communities,  felt  disposed  to  recollect 
the  former  services  of  the  artisan,  as  a  sort  of  apology  for 
further  claims  on  his  exertions, 

"  Nay,  for  one  that  hatli  ever  been  so  free  at  the  wish  of 
Duerckheim,  this  plea  cometh  with  an  ill  grace,"  answered 
Heinrich, — a  sentiment  that  was  audibly  repeated  in  a  gen- 
eral exclamation  of  discontent  by  all  the  other  burghers. — 
"We  expected  other  reply  from  thee  !  " 

"  Well,  since  the  worshipful  council  expects — but  there 
will  be  the  wife  and  the  young,  with  none  to  care  for 
them  !  " 

"  That  difficulty  may  be  disposed  of — thou  hast  six,  if  I 
remember,  in  thv  household  ?" 

^'  Ten,  honorable  Heinrich — not  a  moutli  less  than  half 
a  score,  and  all  of  an  age  to  require  much  food  and 
strong," 

*'  Here  are  all  but  two  of  our  dozen,  in  a  word,  noble 
Emich,"  promptly  added  the  Burgomaster;  "and  of  a 
scriptural  quality,  for  we  are  told,  the  prayers  and  sacri- 
fices of  the  young  and  innocent  are  acceptable.  Thanks, 
honest  smith,  and  more  than  thanks  :  thou  shalt  have  marks 
of  a  qualitv  different  from  those  left  by  the  scourge.  No 
doubt  the  others  may  be  picked  up  among  the  useless  and 
idle." 

"  Our  affairs  seem  settled,  loving  burghers,"  answered 
the  Count.  "  Leave  me  to  dispose  of  the  question  of  in- 
demnity, and  look  ye  to  the  penitents,  and  to  the  seemli- 
ncss  of  the  atonement.  Ye  may  retire,  ye  that  throng  tlie 
way." — The  mandate  was  hurriedly  obeyed,  and  the  door 
closed, — "  As  for  support  at  Heidelberg  and  Madrid,"  con- 
tinued the  Count,  "the  matter  hath  been  looked  to  ;  and 
sliould  the  com})laint  be  pushed  beyond  decency  at  Rome, 
we  have  always  Brother  Luther  as  an  ally.  Bonifacius 
wanteth  not  for  understanding,  and  wlien  he  looks  deeper 
into  our  defences,  nnd  into  tiie  humor  of  the  times,  I  know 
him  for  (jne  that  will  be  disposed  to  stay  an  evil,  before  it 
becomes  an  incurable  sore.  These  shaven  crowns,  Master 
Heinrich,  are  not  like  us  fatliers  (jf  families,  much  troubled 
f(;r  posterity  ;  foi-  they  leave  no  name  or  bUnnl  behind 
them  ;  and  so  long  as  we  can  fairly  satisfy  their  present 
longings,  the  truce  may  be  considered  as  UKjre  than  half 
concluded.  To  strip  a  churcliman  of  his  hoardings,  needeth 
but  a  bold  spirit,  a  present  bribe,  and  strong  hand." 

The  whole  council   nuirmured  its   approval  of  this   rea- 


276  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

soning,  and  the  discussion  now  took  a  turn  more  inclining 
to  the  details. 

Emich  grew  gracious,  and  the  burghers  bolder.  Some 
even  laughed  openly  at  their  late  apprehensions,  and  near- 
ly all  thought  they  saw  a  final  settlement  of  this  long-dis- 
puted and  serious  question.  The  Prior,  who  had  been 
engaged  in  visits  of  religious  charity  in  the  town,  was  soon 
summoned,  and  the  Count  assumed  the  office  of  com- 
municating the  common  answer. 

The  meeting  between  Emich  and  Father  Arnolph  was 
characteristic.  It  took  place  in  the  public  hall,  and  in 
the  presence  of  a  few  of  the  principal  burghers.  The 
Count  was  at  first  disposed  to  be  haughty,  imperious, 
and  even  repulsive  ;  but  the  Monk  was  meek,  earnest,  and 
calm.  The  effect  of  this  forbearance  was  quickly  appar- 
ent. Their  intercourse  soon  grew  more  courteous,  for 
Emich,  when  not  excited,  or  misled  by  the  cupidity  that 
disgraced  the  age,  possessed  most  of  the  breeding  of  his 
peers.  On  the  other  hand,  Arnolph  never  lost  sight 
of  his  duties,  the  chiefest  of  which  he  believed  to  be 
charity. 

"Thou  art  the  bearer  of  the  olive  brancli,  holy  Prior," 
said  the  Count,  as  they  took  their  seats,  after  some  little 
previous  parley  ;  "and  pity  'tis,  that  all  wiio  wear  the  cowl, 
did  not  as  well  comprehend  the  pleasantest  quality  of  their 
sacred  characters.  The  world  would  grow  less  quarrel- 
some, and  we  who  w^orship  in  the  court  of  the  temple, 
would  be  less  disturbed  by  doubts  touching  those  who  lift 
its  veil." 

"  I  did  not  look  to  hold  discussion  of  clerkly  duties  w^ith 
thee.  Lord  Count,  when  my  superior  sent  me  on  this  er- 
rand to  the  town  of  Duerckheim,"  mildly  answered  the 
monk,  indifferent  to  the  other's  wily  compliments.  "Am 
I,  then,  to  consider  the  castle  and  the  council  as  one  ?" 

"  In  heart,  humor,  and  interests  ; — I  miglit  add  also,  in 
rights  and  sovereignty ;  for,  now  all  question  of  the  Abbey 
is  settled,  the  ancient  temporal  rule  is  replaced. — Say  I 
well,  loving  burghers?" 

"  Umph !"  ejaculated  Heinrich.  The  rest  bent  their 
heads,  though  doubtingly,  like  men  taken  by  surprise. 
But  Emich  seemed  perfectly  satisfied. 

"It  is  of  no  great  moment  who  governs  here,  since  the 
wrong  done  to  God  and  our  brotherhood  must  be  repaired 
by  those  who  have  committed  it.    Hast  thou  examined  the 


THE   ITEIDENMAUER.  z'jj 

missive  of  tlie  Abbey,  Herr  Burgomaster,  and  art  ready 
with  the  reply  ?" 

"  This  duty  hath  been  done,  reverend  Arnolph,  and  here 
is  our  answer.  As  for  the  letter,  it  is  our  mature  opinion, 
that  it  hath  been  indited  in  a  fair  hand,  and  in  very  learned 
Latin,  as  befitteth  a  brotherhood  of  so  much  repute.  We 
deem  this  more  creditable,  since  there  have  been  some  late 
heavy  losses  in  books,  and  he  who  did  this  might  not  have 
the  customary  aid  of  materials  to  which  use  had  made  him 
familiar.  As  f(^r  what  hath  been  said  in  the  way  of  greet- 
ing and  benedictions,  holy  Prior,  we  are  thankful,  and 
most  especially  for  the  part  that  is  of  thy  share,  which 
we  esteem  to  be  of  particular  unction  ;  in  mine  own  behalf, 
especially  would  I  thank  all  of  the  convent  for  the  manner 
in  which  my  name  hath  been  introduced  into  their  good 
wishes  ;  though  I  must  add,  it  were  better  that  he  who 
wrote  had  been  content  to  stop  there,  since  these  frequent 
introductions  of  private  personages,  in  matters  of  general 
concernment,  are  apt  to  raise  envy  and  other  evil  passions. 
As  respecting,  moreover,  any  especial  pilgrimages  and 
penances  in  my  own  person,  I  feel  not  the  occasion,  as 
would  doubtless  be  tlie  fact  at  need,  since  we  see  most 
men  pricked  on  to  these  mortifications  by  their  own  con- 
sciences." 

"  The  expiation  is  not  sought  for  particular  consolation, 
neither  is  it  desired  as  a  balm  to  the  Convent's  wounds, 
but  as  an  humble  and  a  necessary  atonement  to  God.  In 
tliis  view  have  we  deemed  it  important  to  choose  those 
who  are  most  esteemed  among  men,  since  it  is  before  the 
eyes  of  mankind  that  the  expiation  must  be  made.  I  am 
the  bearer  of  similar  proposals  to  the  Castle,  and,  by  high 
ecclesiastical  authority,  am  I  charged  to  demand  that  its 
well-born  lord,  himself,  make  these  acknowledgments  in 
his  own  person.  The  sacrifice  of  the  honored  and  innc^cent 
hath  more  flavor  than  that  of  the  mean  and  wicked." 

"  Potz  Tausend  !  "  muttered  Ileinrich. — "I  sec  little 
use  for  leading  a  clean  life  with  such  doctrines  and  disci- 
pline !  " 

But  Emich  heard  the  proposal  without  a  frown.  Bold, 
haughty,  and  audacious,  he  wasalsci  deeply  artful  and 
superstitious.  For  years,  his  rude  mind  had  been  tor- 
mented by  conflicting  passions — those  <jf  cupidity  and  re- 
ligious dread  ;  and  now  that  the  former  was  satisfied,  he 
had  begun  to  rellect  seriously  of  appeasing  his  latent  up- 


278  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

prehensions  in  some  effectual  manner.  Plans  of  various 
expiatory  offerings  had  already  crossed  his  mind,  and  so 
far  from  hearing  the  declaration  of  the  Benedictine  with 
resentment,  he  entertained  the  idea  with  pleasure.  It 
seemed  an  easy  and  cheap  expedient  of  satisfying  all  scru- 
ples ;  for  the  re-establishment  of  the  community  on  the 
hill  of  Limburg  was  a  condition  he  knew  to  be  entirely 
out  of  the  question,  in  the  present  state  of  the  public  mind 
in  Germany.  In  this  humor,  then,  did  he  reply.  The  con- 
ference of  course  proceeded  harmoniously,  and  it  was  pro- 
tracted for  several  hours.  But  as  its  results  will  be  more 
regularly  developed  in  the  course  of  the  narrative,  we 
shall  not  anticipate  events. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


"In  a  strange  land 
Such  things,  however  trivial,  reach  the  heart, 
And  through  the  heart  the  head,  clearing  away 
The  narrow  notions  that  grew  up  at  home. 
And  in  their  place  grafting  good-will  to  all." — ROGERS. 

It  is  necessary  to  advance  a  few  weeks  in  the  order  of 
time  ;  a  change  that  will  bring  us  to  the  middle  of  the 
warm  and  generous  month  of  July.  The  hour  was  towards 
the  close  of  day,  and  the  place  and  scenery  such  as  it  is 
now  our  duty  to  describe. 

Let  the  reader  imagine  a  high  naked  down,  whose  sur- 
face was  slightly  broken  by  irregularities.  Scarce  a  tree 
was  visible  over  the  whole  of  its  bald  face,  though  a  few 
stunted  shrubs  betrayed  the  efforts  of  the  earth  to  push 
forth  a  meagre  vegetation.  The  air  was  pure,  thin,  and 
volatile,  and,  together  with  the  soft  blue  of  the  void,  de- 
noted a  great  elevation  above  the  vapors  and  impurities 
which  linger  nearer  to  regions  that  lie  on  the  level  of  the 
sea.  Notwithstanding  these  never-failing  signs  of  a  moun- 
tain country,  here  and  there  were  to  be  seen  distant  peaks, 
that  shot  upward  into  the  fierce  light,  glittering  with  ever- 
lasting frost.  Along  one  side  of  tliis  naked  expanse,  the 
land  fell  suddenly  away,  towards  a  hmg,  narrow  sheet  of 
water,  which  lay  a  thousand  feet  below.  The  shores  of 
this   lake,    for   such  it  was,  were  clothed  with  innumer- 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  279 

jiblc  white  dwellings,  and  garnished  with  hamlets  and  vinc- 
^-^rds,  while  a  wailed  town,  with  its  towers  and  battle- 
ments, occasionally  darkened  the  shores.  But  these  were 
objects  scarcely  to  be  seen,  from  the  precise  situation 
which  we  desire  the  mind  of  the  reader  to  occupy.  In  the 
distant  view,  always  in  that  direction,  one  favorably  placed 
might  have  seen  a  vast  range  of  undulating  country,  stretch- 
ing towards  the  north  and  east,  that  had  the  usual  charac- 
teristics of  a  region  in  which  Alpine  mountains  begin 
gradually  to  melt  into  the  plain.  This  region  was  beauti- 
fied with  several  spots  of  dark  blue,  resembling  so  many 
deep  reflections  of  the  skies,  which  wxre  sheets  of  limpid 
and  tranquil  water.  Tow^ards  the  south  and  west,  the  down 
was  bounded  by  a  natural  wall  of  rude  and  gray  rock,  that 
rose,  in  nearly  all  its  line,  to  the  elevation  of  a  mountain, 
and  which  shot  up  to  a  giddy  height,  near  its  centre,  in  two 
pointed  cones,  that,  by  their  forms,  coupled  with  other 
circimistances  that  shall  be  soon  explained,  had  obtained 
the  name  of  the  "  Mitres." 

Near  the  barrier  of  mountain,  and  almost  directly  be- 
neath these  natural  mitres,  was  a  small  village,  whose 
houses,  constructed  of  wood,  had  the  wide  roofs,  numer- 
ous windows,  and  the  peculiar  resin-like  color  of  Swiss 
habitations. 

The  place  was  a  hamlet,  rather  than  a  village,  and  most 
of  tlie  land  around  it  lay  at  w^aste,  like  all  that  was  visible 
for  miles,  in  every  direction.  On  a  rising  ground  near  the 
hamlet,  from  which  it  was  separated  merely  by  a  large  es- 
planade, or  green,  as  we  should  be  apt  to  term  the  spot, 
stood  one  of  those  mazes  of  roofs,  chimneys,  and  towers, 
wliich  in  that  age,  and  indeed,  even  now,  mark  a  conven- 
tual pile.  The  edifices  were  large,  complicated  in  their 
forms  and  order,  and  had  been  constructed  without  much 
architectural  kn(jwledge  or  taste  ;  the  air  of  tiie  whole  be- 
ing that  of  rude  but  abundant  wealth.  In  the  centre  was 
a  church,  or  cliapel,  evidentlv  of  ancient  existence  and 
simjjle  origin,  though  its  quaint  outlines  were  elaborately 
decorated,  after  the  fashion  of  tlie  times,  by  a  variety  of 
after-thoughts,  in  a  manncn-  to  show  that  means  were  not 
wanting  to  render  tiie  whole  more  magnificent,  and  that 
tlie  fault  of  the  construction  lay  rather  in  the  first  idea, 
than   in  any  subsccjuent  ability  or  inclination  to  repair  it. 

Tiie  site  i)f  this  hamlet  and  d(jwn  was  in  the  celebrated 
Canton  of  Scliwytz,  a  small  district  that  has  since  given  its 


28o  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

name  to  the  heroic  confederation  that  occupies  so  much 
of  the  country  among  and  near  the  Western  Alps.  Its 
name  was  Einsiedlen  ;  the  monastic  buildings  belonged 
to  a  convent  of  Benedictines,  and  the  church  contained 
one  of  the  shrines  even  then  most  in  repute,  after  that  of 
Loretto.  Time  and  revolutions  have  since  elevated  our 
Lady  of  Einsiedlen,  perhaps,  to  the  very  highest  rank 
among  the  pilgrimages  of  the  Catholic  ;  for  we  have  lately 
seen  thousands  crowding  her  altars,  while  we  found  the 
Santa  Casa  abandoned  chiefly  to  the  care  of  its  guardians, 
or  subject  to  the  casual  inspection  of  curious  heretics. 

Having  thus  described  the  spot  to  which  the  scene  is 
shifted,  it  is  proper  to  refer  to  the  actors. 

At  a  point  distant  less  than  a  league  from  the  hamlet, 
and  on  the  side  of  the  open  down  just  mentioned,  which 
lies  next  to  the  steep  ascent  from  the  lake  of  Zurich,  and 
in  the  direction  of  the  Rhine,  there  came  a  group  of  trav- 
ellers of  both  sexes,  and  apparently  of  all  ages  between 
declining  manhood  and  vigorous  youth.  They  were  afoot, 
wearing  the  garb  and  symbols  of  pilgrims.  Weariness  had 
caused  them  to  lengthen  their  line,  and  they  went  in  pairs, 
the  strongest  in  front,  the  feeble  and  more  fatigued  in  the 
rear. 

In  advance  marched  two  men.  One  wore  the  gown  and 
cowl  of  a  Benedictine,  while  he  carried,  like  the  rest,  the 
staff  and  wallet  of  a  pilgrim.  His  companion  had  the  usual 
mantle  decorated  with  scollop  shells,  and  also  bore  his 
scrip  and  stick.  The  others  had  the  same  attire,  with  the 
usual  exceptions  that  distinguish  the  sexes.  They  con- 
sisted of  two  men  of  middle  age,  who  followed  those  in 
front ;  two  of  each  sex  in  pairs,  all  still  young  and  active  ; 
two  females,  who  were  in  their  prime,  though  wearied  and 
sad  ;  and  a  maiden,  who  dragged  her  limbs  after  them  with 
a  difficulty  disproportioncd  to  her  years.  At  the  side  of 
the  latter  was  a  crone,  whose  infirmities  and  age  had  en- 
abled her  to  obtain  the  indulgence  of  an  ass,  on  which  she 
was  seated  comparatively  at  her  ease  ;  though,  by  a  li- 
cense that  had  been  winked  at  by  the  monk,  her  saddle 
was  encumbered  with  the  scrips  of  most  of  the  female  pen- 
itents. In  the  rear  of  all  came  two  males,  who  seemed  to 
form  a  sort  of  rear  guard  to  the  wliole  party. 

This  group  was  composed  of  the  Prior  and  Emich,  who 
led  the  van  ;  of  Heinrich,  and  Dietrich,  the  smith  ;  of 
Gisela  and  Gottlob,  with  a  youth  and  maiden  from  Duerck- 


THE   IIEIDENMAUER.  281 

hcim  ;  of  Ulrike  and  Lottchen,  of  Mcta  and  Use,  and  of 
M.  Latouche  and  the  Knight  of  Rhodes.  These  were  the 
penitents  chosen  to  expiate  the  late  offence  to  the  majesty 
of  God,  by  prayers  and  mortifications  before  the  shrine  of 
Einsiedlen.  The  temporal  question  had  been  partially  put 
at  rest,  by  the  intrigues  and  influence  of  the  Count,  backed, 
as  he  was,  by  timely  applications  of  gold,  and  by  the  in- 
creasing heresy  that  had  effectually  shaken  the  authority 
of  the  Church  throughout  all  Germany,  and  whicli  had 
sufficiently  apprized  the  practised  Bonifacius,  and  his  su- 
periors, of  the  expediency  of  using  great  moderation  in 
their  demands. 

"  St.  Benedict  make  us  thankful,  holy  father  !  "  .said  the 
Count,  as  his  gratified  eye  first  beheld  the  long-wished-for 
roofs  of  the  Convent. — "  We  have  journeyed  a  weary  dis- 
tance ;  and  this  snail's  pace,  which,  in  deference  to  the 
w^eak,  we  are  bound  to  observe,  but  little  suits  the  impa- 
tience of  a  warrior  accustomed  to  steed  and  spur.  Thou 
hast  often  visited  this  sacred  shrine,  pious  Arnolph  ?  " 

The  Monk  had  stopped,  and  with  a  tearful  eye  he  stood 
gazing,  in  religious  reverence,  at  the  distant  pile.  Then 
kneeling  on  the  grass,  he  prayed,  while  the  others,  accus- 
tomed to  these  sudden  demonstrations  of  zeal,  gladly 
rested  their  limbs,  the  while. 

"  Never  before  hath  eye  of  mine  greeted  yon  holy  pile," 
answered  the  Prior,  as  they  slowly  resumed  their  journey  ; 
"though  often,  in  night  dreams,  hath  my  soul  yearned  for 
the  privilege  !  " 

'' Methinks,  Father,  thou  hast  little  occasion  for  peni- 
tence or  pilgrimage  : — thou,  whose  life  hath  rolled  on  in 
deeds  of  Christian  charity  and  love." 

"  Each  day  brings  its  evil,  and  each  day  should  have  its 
expiation." 

"Truly,  not  in  marches  over  stony  and  mountain  paths, 
like  these  we  travel.  Einsiedlen  must  have  especial  vir- 
tue, to  draw  men  so  far  from  their  homes  to  do  it  honor, 
iiast  tiie  history  of  the  shrine  at  conuuand,  reverend 
Prior  ? " 

"  It  should  be  known  to  all  Christians,  and  chiefly  to  the 
pilgrim.  I  had  thought  thee  instructed  in  these  great 
events  !  " 

"By  the  Magi! — to  speak  thee  honestly,  Father  Ar- 
nolph, the  little  friendship  which  hath  subsisted  between 
Limburg  and   my  house,   had  given  a  disrelish   for   any 


2 82  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

Benedictine  miracle,  let  it  be  of  what  quality  it  would  ;  but 
now  that  we  are  likely  to  be  so  lovingly  united,  I  could 
gladly  hear  the  tale,  which  will  at  least  serve  to  divert  our 
thoughts  from  a  subject  so  grovelling  as  our  own  feet  ;  for 
to  conceal  nothing,  mine  make  most  importunate  appeals 
to  be  at  rest !  " 

"  Our  journey  draweth  near  its  end  ;  but,  as  thy  request 
is  reasonable,  it  shall  be  answered.  Listen,  then,  Emich, 
and  may  the  lesson  profit  thy  soul!  During  the  reign  of 
the  illustrious  and  warlike  Charlemagne,  who  governed 
Gaul,  with  so  much  of  our  Germany  and  the  country  of 
the  Franks,  there  lived  a  youth  of  the  ancient  family  of 
Hohenzollern,  branches  of  which  still  possess  principalities 
and  marches  in  the  empire.  The  name  of  this  learned  and 
pious  youth  was  Meinard.  Early  fatigued  with  the  vani- 
ties of  life,  he  sought  a  hermitage,  nearer  than  this  to  the 
banks  of  that  lake  which  we  so  lately  crossed  at  Rapper- 
schwyl.  But,  overburdened  by  the  number  of  the  curious 
and  pious  who  visited  his  cell,  the  holy  Meinard,  after  sev- 
en years  of  prayer,  retired  to  a  clear  fountain,  which  must 
still  run  near  yonder  church,  where  another  cell  and  a 
chapel  were  built  for  him,  expressly  by  command  of  Flil- 
degarde,  a  royal  lady,  and  the  Abbess  of  a  monastery  in 
the  town  of  Zurich.  ITere  Meinard  lived  and  here  he  died, 
filled  w^th  grace,  and  greatly  blessed  by  godly  exercises." 

"  Father,  had  he  a  profitable  and  happy  end,  in  this  wild 
region  ! " 

"  Spiritually,  nothing  could  have  been  more  desirable  ; 
temporally,  naught  more  foul.  He  died  by  the  hands  of 
vile  assassins,  to  whom  he  had  rendered  hospitality.  The 
deed  was  discovered  by  means  of  two  crows,  who  followed 
the  murderers  to  Zurich,  where  they  were  taken  and  ex- 
ecuted— at  least,  so  sayeth  tradition.  In  a  later  age,  the 
holy  Meinard  was  canonized  by  Benedict  VIII.  For  nearly 
half  a  century,  the  cell  of  Meinard,  though  in  great  request 
as  a  place  of  prayer,  remained  without  a  tenant  ;  but  at 
the  end  of  that  period,  Beurun,  a  canon  of  the  house  of 
Burgundy,  which  house  then  ruled  most  of  the  country  far 
and  near,  caused  the  chapel  and  cell  to  be  repaired,  re- 
placed the  image  of  the  blessed  Maria,  and  devoted  his  own 
life  to  the  hermitage.  The  neighboring  Seigneurs  and 
Barons  contributed  to  endow  the  place,  and  divers  holy 
men  joined  themiselves  to  the  service  of  the  altar,  from 
which  circumstance  the  shrine  obtained  the  name  of  our 


THE  IlEIDENMAUER.  2S3 

*  Lady  of  the  Hermits,*  its  true  appellation  to  this  hour. 
It  would  weary  thee  to  listen  to  the  tale  of  miracles  per- 
formed in  virtue  of  their  prayers,  even  in  that  early  and 
less  gifted  condition  of  the  place  ;  but  its  reputation 
so  circulated  that  many  came  from  afar  to  see  and  to  be- 
lieve. In  the  process  of  time,  a  regular  community  was 
established,  and  the  church  thou  seest  was  erected,  con- 
taining in  its  nave  the  original  cell,  chapel,  and  image  of 
Saint  Meinard.  Of  the  brotherhood,  Saint  Eberhaud  was 
named  the  Abbot." 

"  I  had  thought  there  was  still  higher  virtue  in  the 
place  !  "  observed  Emich,  when  the  Prior  paused,  and  seem- 
ingly a  little  disappointed  ;  for  your  deep  sinner  as  little 
likes  a  simple  dispensation,  as  the  drunkard  relishes  small 
drinks. 

"  Thou  shalt  hear.  When  the  buildings  were  completed, 
and  it  became  necessary  to  C(3nsecrate  the  place,  agree- 
ably to  tlie  forms  and  usages  of  the  Church,  Conrad  Bisliop 
of  Constance,  was  invited  to  discharge  the  holy  office. 
Here  comcth  the  wonderful  favor  of  Heaven  !  As  Conrad 
of  Constance,  with  other  pious  men,  arose  to  pray,  al' 
midnight  of  the  day  appointed  for  the  service,  they  sud- 
denly heard  divine  music  most  sweetly  chanted  by  angels. 
Though  sore  amazed  and  impressed,  they  were  still  suffi- 
ciently masters  of  their  reason  to  discover  that  the  unseen 
beings  sang  the  prescribed  formula  of  the  consecration, 
that  office  which  they  were  preparing  themselves  to  per- 
form a  few  hours  later.  Satisfied  with  this  especial  and 
wonderful  interference,  Conrad  would  have  abstained 
from  repeating  a  service  which  had  already  been  thus  per- 
formed, but  for  the  demands  and  outcries  of  the  ignorant, 
liiit  when,  after  hours  of  delay,  he  was  about  to  yield  to 
their  impatience,  a  clear  voice  three  times  admonished 
him  of  the  blasphemy,  by  saying,  'Cease,  brother!  thy 
chapel  is  divinely  consecrated  !  '  From  that  moment  the 
place  is  so  esteemed,  and  nil  our  rites  are  performed  as  at 
a  shrine  of  high  behest  and  jiarticular  virtue." 

Emich  crossed  himself  devoutly,  liaving  listened  in  })er- 
fect  faith,  and  with  deep  interest  ;— hn*  at  that  moment 
early  impressions  were  stronger  than  the  modern  doubts. 

"  It  is  good  to  be  here,  father,"  he  reverently  answered  ; 
"  I  would  that  Ermengarde,  and  all  of  my  house,  were  at 
mv  side  !  But  are  there  any  especial  favors  accorded  to 
those  who  come  hither,  in  a  litting  temper,  in  the  way  of 


284  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

temporal  gifts  or  political  considerations ;  since,  being  be- 
fore a  shrine  so  holy,  I  could  fain  profit  by  the  sore  pains 
and  privations  by  which  the  grace  is  gained  ?" 

The  Prior  seemed  mortified,  for,  though  he  lent  the 
faith  required  by  the  opinions  of  the  age  to  the  tradition 
he  had  recounted,  he  was  too  well  instructed  in  the  true 
doctrines  of  his  Church  not  to  perceive  the  false  bias  of  his 
companion's  mind.  The  embarrassment  caused  a  silence, 
during  which  the  reader  is  to  imagine  that  they  passed  on, 
giving  place  to  other  personages  of  the  tale. 

Before  turning  to  another  group,  however,  we  desire  to 
say  distinctly,  that,  in  relating  the  manner  of  the  miracu- 
lous consecration  of  the  chapel  of  'Our  Lady  of  the  Her- 
mits,' we  have  wished  merely  to  set  the  tradition  before  the 
reader  without  inferring  aught  for,  or  against,  its  authen- 
ticity. It  is  well  known  that  the  belief  of  these  super- 
natural interferences  of  Divine  Power  forms  no  necessary 
part  of  doctrine,  even  in  that  Church  which  is  said  to  be 
the  most  favored  by  these  dispensations  ;  and  it  ought 
always  to  be  remembered  that  those  sects  which  impugn 
these  visible  and  physical  signs  of  Omnipotence,  entertain 
opinions  of  a  more  purely  spiritual  character,  that  are 
scarcely  less  out  of  the  course  of  ordinary  and  vulgar 
nature.  In  cases  in  which  there  exist  so  nice  shades  of 
distinction,  and  in  which  truth  is  so  difficult  of  discovery, 
it  is  our  duty  to  limit  ourselves  to  popular  facts,  and  as 
such  have  we  given  the  history  of  Einsiedlen,  its  Ab- 
bey, and  its  Virgin.  The  opinion  of  Father  Arnolph  is 
the  local  opinion  of  our  own  times,  and  it  is  the  opin- 
ion of  thousands  who,  even  now,  yearly  frequent  the 
shrine. 

Heinrich  and  the  smith  were  the  couple  next  to  the 
Count  and  the  Prior,  and  of  course  they  were  the  next  to 
cross  the  stage. 

"  It  is  no  doubt  much,  or  I  may  add  altogether  as  you 
say,  Worshipful  Burgomaster " 

'•  Brother  Pilgrim,"  ruefully  interrupted  Heinrich. 

"  I  should  have  said.  Brother  Worshipful  Pilgrim, — 
though.  Heaven  it  knows,  the  familiarity  goes  nigh  to 
choke  me  ! — but  it  is  much  as  you  say,  that  whether  we 
cling  to  Rome,  or  finally  settle  quietly  into  the  new  wor- 
ship of  Brother  Luther,  this  journey  ought,  in  all  fairness, 
to  be  set  down  to  our  account,  as  of  so  much  virtue  ;  for, 
look  you,  Brother  Worshipful,  it  is  made  at  the  cost  of 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  285 

Christian  Hesh  and  blood,  and  therefore  slioiild  it  be 
savory,  witiioiit  nuicli  particularity  concerning  mere  out- 
ward apjicarances.  I  do  not  think,  were  truth  spoken,  that 
wielding  the  sledge  a  twelve-month  would  have  done  this 
injury  to  my  feet !  " 

"  Have  mercy  on  thyself  and  me,  good  smith,  and  think 
less  of  these  trifling  grievances.  What  Heaven  wills  must 
liappen,  else  would  one  of  thy  merit  have  risen  higher  in 
the  world." 

"  Thanks,  Worshipful  Brother  Pilgrim  and  Burgomaster  ; 
I  will  bethink  me  of  resignation,  though  these  w4re-drawn 
pains  are  never  to  the  liking  of  your  men  of  muscle  and 
great  courage.  A  knock  o'  the  head,  or  the  bullet  of  an 
arquebuse  gives  less  uneasiness  than  smaller  griefs  much 
endured.  Were  things  properly  governed,  the  penances 
and  pilgrimages,  and  other  expiations  of  the  Church,  would 
be  chiclly  left  to  the  women." 

"We  shall  see  hereafter  how  Luther  hath  ordered  this  ; 
but  having  ourselves  embarked  in  this  journey  for  the  go(jd 
of  Duerckheim,  to  sav  nothing  of  our  own  souls,  it  be- 
hooveth  us  to  hold  (nit  manfullv  ; — a  duty  the  more  easily 
performed,  as  we  can  now  see  the  end  of  it.  To  speak  thee 
fair,  Dietrich,  I  do  not  remember  ever  to  have  beheld  Ben- 
edictine abode  with  S(j  much  joy  as  this  we  see  at  yonder 
mountain's  foot ! " 

"  Be  of  cheer,  most  honorable  and  excellent  Brother 
Worshipful  Pilgrim  ;  the  trial  is  near  its  end,  and  if  we 
come  thus  far  to  do  this  honor  to  our  own  community, 
why, — Himmel!  it  is  but  the  price  paid  for  getting  rid  of 
another ! " 

"  Be  of  cheer,  truly,  brother  smith,  for  it  is  but  some 
kneeling,  and  a  few  stripes  that  each  is  10  apply  to  his  own 
back  ;  after  which  the  return  will  reasonably  be  mt)re  joy- 
ous than  the  advance." 

Encouraged  by  each  other,  the  devotees  hobbled  on, 
their  heavy  massive  frames  yielding  at  every  step,  like 
those  of  overgrown  oxen  which  had  been  but  indifferently 
shod.  As  they  passed  by,  their  places  were  filled  by  the 
four,  of  wh(jm  Gisela  and  Gottlob  formed  a  part.  Among 
these  the  discourse  was  light  and  trilling,  for  bodily  fatigue 
had  little  influence  on  the  joyous  buoyancy  of  sucli  spirits ; 
especially  at  a  moment  when  they  saw  before  them  tlie  im- 
mediate termination  of  their  troubles.  Not  so  with  those 
that  came  next ;  these  were    Ulrike   and   her  friend,  who 


2S6  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

moved  along  the  path,  like  those  who  were  loaded  with 
griefs  of  the  soul. 

"  God  is  among  these  hills,  as  he  is  on  our  plains,  Lott- 
chen  !  "  said  the  former,  continuing  the  discourse.  "Yon 
temple  is  his  shrine,  as  was  that  of  Limburg;  and  it 
is  as  vain  for  man  to  think  of  forgetting  him  on  earth, 
as  it  would  be  to  invade  him  in  that  Heaven  which  is 
His  throne  !  What  he  doth  is  wise,  and  we  will  endeavor 
to  submit" 

The  words  of  Ulrike  were  perhaps  more  touched  with 
resignation  than  her  manner.  The  latter,  though  subdued, 
was  filled  with  sorrow,  and  her  voice  was  tremulous  nearly 
to  tears.  Though  the  exhibition  of  her  melancholy  was 
deep  and  evident,  it  was  of  a  character  which  denotes  no 
extinction  of  hope.  On  the  other  hand,  the  features,  eye, 
and  entire  manner  of  her  friend,  bore  the  heavy  and  fatal 
impress  of  incurable  woe. 

"  God  is  among  these  hills  !  "  repeated  Lottchen,  though 
she  scarce  seemed  to  hear  the  words  ;  "  God  is  among  these 
hills!" 

"We  approach  a  much-esteemed  shrine,  dearest  Lott- 
chen ;  the  Being,  in  whose  name  it  hath  been  raised,  will 
not  permit  us  to  depart  from  it  unblessed." 

"We  shall  be  blessed,  Ulrike!" 

"  Thou  dwellest  hopelessly  on  thy  loss,  my  Lottchen  ! 
Would  thou  had  less  thought  of  the  past,  and  more  of  the 
future  !  " 

The  smile  with  which  the  widow  regarded  her  friend 
was  full  of  anguish. 

"  I  have  no  future,  Ulrike,  but  the  grave  !  " 

"  Dearest  Lottchen  ! — we  will  speak  of  this  holy  shrine  !  " 
Emotion  smothered  her  voice. 

"Speak  of  what  thou  wilt,  my  friend,"  answered  the 
childless  widow,  with  a  frightful  calm.  "  I  see  no  dif- 
ference in  subjects." 

"Lottchen ! — not  when  we  discourse  of  Heaven  !  " 

The  widow  bowed  her  vacant  eyes  to  earth,  and  they 
passed  on.  Their  footsteps  v/crc  succeeded  by  those  of 
the  beast  ridden  by  Use,  and  by  the  faltering  tread  of  Meta. 

"  Aye, — yon  is  the  shrine  of  our  Lady  of  the  Hermits !  " 
said  the  former  ;  "  a  temple  of  surpassing  virtue  !  Well, 
Heaven  is  not  in  churches  and  chapels,  and  that  of  Lim- 
burg may  yet  be  spared  ;  the  more  especially  as  the  broth- 
erhood was  far  from  being  of  unexceptionable  lives.    Keep 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  2S7 

up  thy  heart,  Mcta,  and  think  not  of  weariness,  for  not  a 
pain  dost  thou  now  bear  that  will  not  be  returned  to  thee, 
another  day,  in  joy,  or  in  some  other  preeious  gift.  This 
is  Heaven's  justice,  wliicli  is  certain  to  requite  all  equally, 
for  good  or  evil  Well-a-day ! — it  is  this  certainty  that 
comforteth  the  godly,  and  givcth  courage  to  the  totter- 
iag." 

She  spoke  to  an  insensible  listener.  The  countenance 
of  Meta,  like  that  of  Lottchen,  expressed  hopelessness, 
though  it  were  in  less  palpable  and  certain  signs.  The 
eye  was  dull  but  wandering,  the  cheek  pale,  the  mouth 
convulsive  and  at  times  compressed,  the  step  languid,  and 
the  whole  being  of  this  young  and  innocent  creature 
seemed  wasting  under  a  premature  and  unnatural  blight ! 
Slie  looked  at  the  convent  with  indifference,  though  it 
brought  relief  to  her  bodily  pains.  The  mountains  rose 
dark  and  rugged  near,  or  glittered  in  the  distance  like  hills 
of  alabaster,  without  giving  birth  to  a  single  exclamation 
of  that  delight  wiiich  these  scenes  are  known  to  excite  in 
young  breasts  ;  and  even  the  pure  void  above  was  gazed 
at,  thougii  it  seemed  to  invite  to  a  more  tranquil  existence, 
with  vacuity  and  indifference. 

"Ah's  me!"  continued  Use,  whose  observation  rarely 
penetrated  beyond  her  own  feelings,  and  whose  tongue  was 
never  known  to  wax  weary — "  All's  me  !  Meta.  O  !  it  must 
be  a  wicked  world  that  needs  all  these  pilgrimages  and 
burnings.  But  they  are  only  types,  child,  of  the  past  and 
of  the  future;  of  the  *has  been,' and  of  the  'to  come.* 
First,  life  is  a  pilgrimage,  and  a  penance ;  though  few  of 
us  think  so  while  journeying  on  its  way;  but  so  it  is  to  all ; 
especially  to  the  little  favored — but  a  penance  it  is,  by 
means  of  our  ailings  and  other  infirmities,  particularly  in 
age  ;  and  therefore  do  I  bear  witli  it  cheerfully,  since  pen- 
ances are  to  be  borne  ;  and  the  burnings  of  convents  and 
villages  arc  types  of  the  burnings  of  the  wicked.  Thou 
dost  not  answer,  child  ?" 

"Dost  think,  nurse,  that  they  who  die  by  fire  are 
blessed  !  " 

*'Of  what  art  speaking,  Meta! — Poor  Berchthold  Ilin- 
termayer  perished,  as  thou  knowest,  in  the  ilames  of  Lim- 
burg  ;  so  did  Father  Johan,  and  so  did  one,  far  more  evil 
than  either! — Oh!  I  could  reveal  secrets,  an'  I  had  not  a 
prudent  tongue  !  But  wisdom  lieth  in  jirudence,  and  I 
say  naught ;  therefore,  Meta,  be  thou  silent." 


288  THE  HEIDENMAUKR. 

"  I  will  obey  thee,  nurse." 

The  tones  of  the  girl  trembled,  and  the  smile  with  which 
she  gladly  acquiesced  in  the  demand  of  Use  was  such  as 
the  sinking  invalid  gives  the  kind  attendant. 

"  Thou  art  dutiful,  and  it  is  a  merit.  I  never  knew  thee 
more  obedient  and  less  given  to  merriment  or  girlish  ex- 
clamations, than  on  this  very  pilgrimage  ;  all  of  which 
shows  that  thy  mind  is  in  a  happy  state  for  these  holy 
offices.  Well-a-day  ! — the  pious  Arnolph  has  halted,  and 
now  we  are  about,  in  sooth,  to  reap  the  virtue  of  all  our 
labors.  Oh  !  an'  I  had  been  a  monk,  thou  wouldest  have 
had  a  leader!  " 

Use  beat  the  sides  of  the  patient  animal  she  rode,  and 
Meta  toiled  after,  as  well  as  her  trembling  limbs  permitted. 
The  Knight  and  the  Abbe  came  last. 

"Thou  hast  made  many  of  these  pious  expiations,  rev- 
erend Abbe?"  observed  the  former,  when  they  had  risen 
the  hill,  which  commanded  a  view  of  the  convent. 

"  Never  another.  Had  not  chance  made  me  an  innocent 
participator  in  the  destruction  of  Limburg,  this  indignity 
would  have  been  spared." 

"  How  !  callest  thou  a  pilgrimage,  and  prayer  at  a  shrine, 
an  indignity  ? — thou,  a  churchman  !  " 

"  Gallant  Knight,  I  speak  to  thee  as  to  a  comrade  of 
many  days,  and  of  weary  passages  ;  as  one  enlightened. 
Thou  knowest  the  constitution  of  earth,  and  the  divers 
materials  that  compose  society.  We  have  doctrines  for  all  ; 
but  practices  must  be  mitigated,  like  medicaments  to  the 
sick.  Your  pilgrimage  is  well  enough  for  the  peasant,  or 
the  citizen,  or  even  for  your  noble  of  the  Provinces,  but 
their  merit  is  much  questioned  among  us  of  the  capitals — 
unless,  indeed,  there  should  mingle  some  hope  for  the  fut- 
ure ;  but  penance  for  deeds  accomplished  we  hold  to  be 
supererogatory." 

"  By  my  rapier !  no  such  doctrine  was  in  vogue  at 
Rhodes,  where  all  ordinances  were  much  respected,  and 
uniformly  admitted." 

"  And  had  ye  then  these  familiar  practices  of  religion  in 
your  daily  habits,  Sir  Knight  ?" 

"  I  say  not  in  practice  ;  but  ever  in  admission.  Thou 
knowest  the  distinction,  Sir  Abbe,  between  the  purity  of 
doctrine,  and  some  constructions  of  practice." 

"That  doubtless.  Were  we  to  tie  the  gentle  down  to  all 
the  observances  and  exactions  of  a  severe  theory,  there 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  289 

would  grow  lip  numberless  inconveniences.  For  myself, 
had  it  been  possible  to  preserve  the  ecclesiastical  charac- 
ter, without  penance  under  the  odium  of  this  unhappy  but 
accidental  visit  to  our  host  the  Count,  I  could  have  dis- 
pensed with  the  last  act  of  the  drama." 

"  'Tis  whispered,  Herr  Latouche,  my  cousin  bethought 
him,  that  the  presence  of  an  ecclesiastic  might  prove  a 
cloak  to  his  intentions,  and  that  we  owe  the  pleasure  of  thy 
agreeable  society  to  a  policy  that  is  deeper  than  chance  !  " 

Albrecht  of  Viederbach  laughed,  as  he  intimated  this 
ruse  of  Emich  ;  and  his  companion,  who  had  long  per- 
ceived how  completely  he  had  been  the  dupe  of  his  host, 
for  in  truth  he  knew  nothing  previously  of  the  intended 
assault,  was  fain  to  make  the  best  of  his  situation.  He 
laughed,  in  his  turn,  as  the  loose  of  principle  make  light 
of  any  misadventure  that  may  happen  to  be  the  conse- 
quence of  their  laxity  of  morals  ;  and,  pressing  each  other, 
on  their  several  parts  in  the  late  events,  the  two  proceeded 
leisurely  towards  the  spot  where  the  Prior  and  Emich,  as 
leaders  of  the  party,  had  now  come  to  a  halt.  We  shall 
profit  by  the  occasion  to  make  some  necessary  explanations. 

We  are  too  much  accustomed  in  this  Protestant  country, 
to  believe,  that  most  of  the  piety  of  those  who  profess  the 
religion  of  Rome  consists  in  externals.  When  the  great 
antiquity  of  this  Church  shall  be  remembered,  as  well  as 
the  general  tendency,  in  the  early  ages,  to  imitate  the 
forms  and  habits  of  tlieir  immediate  predecessors,  it  should 
not  occasion  surprise  if  some  observances  were  retained, 
that  cannot  very  clearly  be  referred,  either  to  apostolic 
authority  or  to  reason.  The  promulgation  of  abstract 
truth  dcjcs  n(jt  necessarily  infer  a  departure  from  those 
practices  whicii  have  become  of  value  by  use,  even  though 
they  may  wiA  materially  assist  in  the  attainment  of  the 
great  end.  We  have  inherited  many  of  the  vestments  and 
ceremcmies,  which  are  retained  in  the  Protestant  churches, 
from  Pagan  priests  ;  nor  is  there  any  sufficient  motive  for 
abandcming  tlicm,  so  long  as  they  aid  the  decencies  of  wor- 
ship, witliout  weakening  its  real  objects.  The  Pagans 
themselves  probably  derived  some  of  these  very  practices, 
from  those  whom  we  are  taught  to  believe  held  direct  com- 
munion with  God,  and  who  should  have  best  known  in 
what  manner  to  render  human  adoration  most  acceptable 
to  the  ruler  of  the  universe. 

In  this  country,  Catholicism,  in  its  limited  and  popular 

19 


290  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

meaning,  is  no  longer  catholic,  since  it  is  in  so  small  a 
minority  as  to  have  no  perceptible  influence  on  the  opin- 
ions or  customs  of  the  country.  The  outward  symbols, 
the  processions,  and  all  the  peculiar  ceremonies  of  the 
Romish  Churcti,  are  confined  to  the  temples,  and  the  eye 
rarely  or  never  meets  any  evidence  of  its  existence  be- 
yond their  walls.  But  in  Europe  the  reverse  is  altogether 
the  case,  more  particularly  in  those  countries  in  which  the 
spiritual  sway  of  the  head  of  the  Church  has  not  been  in- 
terrupted by  any  adventitious  changes,  proceeding  from 
political  revolutions,  or  other  powerful  causes.  The  cruci- 
fix, the  spear,  the  cock,  the  nails,  and  the  sponge,  are  erect- 
ed at  cross-roads, — chapels  dedicated  to  Mary  are  seen 
near  many  a  spring,  or  at  the  summit  of  some  weary 
mountain  ;  while  the  usual  symbols  of  redemption  are 
found  scattered  along  the  highways,  marking  the  site  of 
some  death  by  accident,  or  the  scene  of  a  murder. 

In  no  part  of  the  other  hemisphere  are  these  evidences 
of  faith  and  zeal  more  common  than  in  the  Catholic  can- 
tons of  Switzerland.  Hermitages  arc  still  frequent  among 
the  rugged  rocks  of  that  region,  and  it  is  usual  to  see  near 
these  secluded  abodes  a  sort  of  minor  chapel,  that  is  term- 
ed, in  ordinary  language,  a  "station."  These  stations  are 
so  many  tabernacles  raised  by  the  way-side,  each  contain- 
ing a  representation  of  one  of  the  tvv^elve  sufferings  of 
Christ.  They  are  met  equally  on  the  side  of  Vesuvius, 
overlooking  the  glorious  sea  and  land  of  that  unequalled 
country  ;  among  the  naked  w^astes  of  the  Apennines  ;  or 
buried  in  gorgeous  groves  ;  as  accident  may  have  deter- 
mined their  location.  In  some  of  the  valleys  of  Switzer- 
land, these  little  tabernacles  dot  the  mountain  side  for 
miles,  indicating  by  zig-zag  lines  and  white  w^alls  the  path 
that  leads  from  the  village  beneath  to  some  shrine,  that  is 
perhaps  perched  on  the  pinnacle  of  a  naked  rock,  or 
which  stands  on  a  spur  of  the  nearest  range. 

The  shrine  of  Einsiedlen  possessed  the  usual  number  of 
these  tabernacles,  stretching  along  the  path  that  commu- 
nicated with  the  lake  of  Zurich.  They  were  designated  in 
the  customary  manner;  each  alluding  to  some  one  of  those 
great  personal  afflictions  that  preceded  the  crucifixion,  and 
each  having  sentences  of  holy  writ,  to  incite  the  pious  to 
devotion.  Here  the  pilgrims  ordinarily  commenced  the 
worship  peculiar  to  the  place,  and  it  was  here  that  the 
Prior  now  awaited  his  companions. 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  291 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

**  Was  Godde  lo  serche  our  licrtes  andreines, 
The  best  were  synncrs  grete  ; 
Christ's  vycarr  only  knowes  no  synne, 
Ynnealle  thys  mortall  state." — Chatterton. 

When  all  were  arrived,  the  pilgrims  divided  themselves 
along  the  path,  some  kneeling  before  one  tabernacle,  and 
some  at  another.  Ulrike  and  Lottchen,  followed  by  the 
pallid  Meta,  prayed  long  at  each  in  succession.  The  other 
females  imitated  their  example,  though  evidently  with  less 
zeal  and  earnestness.  The  Knight  of  Rhodes  and  Mon- 
sieur Latouche  limited  their  observances  to  a  few  genu- 
flexions, and  much  rapid  crossing  of  themselves  with  the 
fingers,  appearing  to  think  their  general  professions  of 
faith  possessed  a  virtue  that  superseded  the  necessity  of 
any  extraordinary  demonstrations  of  piety.  Heinrich  and 
the  smith  were  more  particular  in  showing  respect  for  the 
prescribed  forms  ;  the  latter,  who  was  secretly  paid  by  his 
townsmen  for  what  he  did,  feeling  himself  bound  in  honor 
to  give  them  the  worth  of  their  money,  and  the  Burgo- 
master, in  addition  to  his  looking  for  great  temporal  ad- 
vantages from  the  whole  affair,  being  much  influenced  by 
paternal  regard  for  Duerckheim.  As  for  Use,  none  was 
more  exact  than  she  ;  and,  we  may  add,  none  more  osten- 
tatious. 

"  Mast  bethought  thee,  Dietrich,  to  say  an  extra  word  in 
behalf  of  the  general  interests?"  demanded  Heinrich, 
while  he  patiently  awaited  the  removal  of  the  other,  from 
behjrc  the  last  tabernacle,  in  order  to  assume  the  post  him- 
self. 

*' Nay,  worshipful  l>iirgomaster " 

"  Brother  Pilgrim,  good  smith  !" 

"  Xay,  worshiy)fiil  brotiicr,  and  good  pilgrim,  there  was 
no  question  of  this  duty  in  the  understanding." 

"  Hinunel  !  Art  such  a  IkuukI,  Dietrich,  as  to  need  a 
bribe  to  pray  in  thine  own  interest?  Do  tiiat  thou  hast 
promised,  for  tlie  penance,  and  in  the  interest  of  tlie 
monks,  and  then  bethink  tliee,  like  an  honest  artisan,  of 
the  town  of  wliich  thou  art  a  citizen.  I  never  rise  frcjni 
my  kiuMjs  without  counting  a  few  beads  on  tl)e  score  oi 
Duerckheim,  and  others  for  favor  on  the  family  of   Frey." 


292  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

"  I  cry  you  mercy,  honorable  Heinrich  and  excellent 
brother  Pilgrim  ;  the  wish  is  reasonable,  and  it  shall  be 
performed." 

The  smith  then  counted  off  his  rosary,  making  place  for 
the  Burgomaster  as  soon  as  he  could  conveniently  get 
through  with  the  duty.  In  the  mean  time,  Arnolph  had 
prayed  devoutly,  and  with  sincere  mental  abasement,  be- 
fore each  station. 

The  pilgrims  then  arranged  themselves  in  two  lines,  a 
form  of  approaching  the  convent  of  Einsiedlen  that  is  still 
observed  by  thousands  annually  ;  the  men  placing  them- 
selves on  the  right  of  the  path  in  single  files,  and  the  fe- 
males on  its  left,  in  a  similar  order.  Arnolph  walked 
ahead,  and  the  whole  proceeded.  Then  began  the  repeti- 
tion of  the  short  prayers  aloud. 

Whoever  has  wandered  much  througli  this  remarkable 
and  wild  country,  must  have  frequently  met  with  parties 
of  pilgrims,  marching  in  the  manner  described,  and  utter- 
ing their  aspirations  in  the  pure  air,  as  they  ascend  to,  or 
descend  from,  the  altar  of  *'our  Lady  of  the  Snow,"  on 
the  Rhigi,  or  wend  their  way  among  rocky  and  giddy 
paths,  seeking  or  returning  from  some  other  shrine.  We 
know  of  no  display  of  human  worship  that  is  more  touch- 
ing or  impressive  than  this.  The  temple  is  the  most  mag- 
nificent on  earth,  the  air  is  as  limpid  as  mountain  torrents 
and  a  high  region  can  bestow,  while  sound  is  conveyed  to 
the  ear,  in  its  clearest  and  most  distinct  tones,  aided  per- 
haps by  the  echoes  of  dells  that  are  nearly  unfathomable, 
or  of  impending  masses  that  appear  to  prop  the  skies. 
Long  before  the  party  is  seen,  the  ear  announces  its  ap- 
proach by  the  music  of  the  prayers  ;  for  music  it  is  in  such 
a  place,  the  notes  alternating  regularly  between  the  deep 
bass  of  the  male  to  the  silvery  softness  of  the  female 
voice. 

Such  was  now  the  effect  produced  by  the  advance  of  our 
party  from  the  Palatinate.  Father  Arnolph  gave  the  lead, 
and  the  powerful  lungs  of  Heinrich  and  the  smith,  though 
much  restrained,  uttered  the  words  in  tones  impressively 
deep  and  audible.  The  response  of  the  women  was  trem- 
ulous, soft,  and  soothing.  In  this  manner  did  they  pro- 
ceed for  a  mile,  when  they  entered  the  street  of  the 
hamlet. 

An  express  had  announced  to  the  community  of  Ein- 
siedlen the  approach  of  the  German  penitents.     By  a  sin- 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  293 

gular  perversion  of  the  humble  doctrines  of  the  founder  of 
the  religion,  far  more  importance  was  attached  to  the  ex- 
piations and  offerings  of  princes,  and  of  nobles  of  high 
degree,  than  to  those  which  proceeded  from  sources  that 
were  believed  to  be  meaner.  All  the  dwellers  of  the  ham- 
let, therefore,  and  most  of  the  others  that  frequented  the 
shrine,  were  abroad  to  witness  this  expected  procession. 
The  name  of  Emich  was  whispered  from  ear  to  ear,  and 
many  curious  eyes  sought  the  form  of  the  powerful 
baron,  under  the  guise  common  to  the  whole  party.  By 
general  consent,  after  much  speculation,  the  popular 
opinion  settled  on  the  person  of  the  smith,  as  on  the 
illustrious  penitent  ;  a  distinction  which  Dietrich  owed  to 
the  strength  of  his  lungs,  to  some  advantage  in  stature, 
and  particularly  to  the  zeal  which,  as  a  hireling,  he  thought 
it  just  to  throw  into  his  air  and  manner. 

Among  the  other  traditions  that  serve  to  give  a  popular 
celebrity  to  the  shrine  of  our  Lady  of  the  Hermits,  is  one 
which  affirms  that,  on  an  occasion  it  is  unnecessary  to  re- 
late, the  Son  of  God,  in  the  form  of  man,  visited  this  fa- 
vored shrine.  He  is  said  to  have  assuaged  his  thirst  at  the 
fountain  which  flows,  with  Swiss  purity  and  profusion,  be- 
fore the  door  of  the  building  ;  and  as  tlie  clear  element  has 
been  made  to  run  through  different  metal  tubes,  it  is  a 
custom  of  the  Pilgrims,  as  they  arrive,  to  drink  a  hasty 
swallow  at  each,  in  order  to  obtain  the  virtue  of  a  touch  so 
revered.  There  was  also  a  plate  of  silver,  that  had  marks 
which  were  said  to  have  been  left  by  the  fingers  of  Jesus, 
and  to  these  it  was  the  practice  to  apply  tlie  hand.  The 
former  usage  is  still  universal  ;  though  modern  cupidity 
has  robbed  the  temple  of  the  latter  evidence  of  the  reputed 
visit,  in  consequence  of  the  value  of  the  metal  which  bore 
its  memorial, 

Arnolph  halted  at  the  fountain,  and,  slowly  making  its 
circuit,  drank  at  each  spout.  He  was  followed  by  all  of 
his  compani(jns.  But  he  passed  the  silver  plate,  and  en- 
tered the  building,  praying  aloud  initil  his  foot  was  on 
the  threshold.  Without  stopping,  he  advanced  and  knelt 
on  the  cold  stones  before  the  shrine,  fastening  his  eye 
the  while  on  the  carved  image  of  Mary.  The  otliers  imi- 
tated his  movements,  and,  in  a  few  minutes,  all  were 
kneeling  before  the  far-famed  chapel  of  the  Divine  Conse- 
cration. 

The  ancient  church  of  Einsicdlen  (for  the  building  has 


294  THE   HEIDENMAUEK. 

since  been  replaced  by  another  still  larger  and  more  mag- 
nificent) had  been  raised  around  the  spot  where  the  cell  of 
Saint  Meinard  originally  stocjd.  The  chapel  reputed  to 
have  been  consecrated  by  angels,  was  in  this  revered  cell, 
and  the  whole  stood  in  the  centre  of  tlie  more  modern 
edifice.  Tt  was  small,  in  comparison  with  the  pile  which 
held  it,  but  of  sufficient  size  to  admit  of  an  officiating 
priest,  and  to  contain  many  rich  offerings  of  the  pious. 
The  whole  was  encased  in  marble,  blackened  by  time  and 
the  exhalations  of  lamps  ;  while  the  front,  and  part  of  the 
sides,  permitted  a  view  of  the  interior,  through  openings 
that  were  protected  by  gratings  curiously  and  elaborately 
wrought. 

In  the  farther  and  dark  extremity  of  this  sacred  chapel, 
were  the  images  of  the  Mother  and  Child.  Their  dresses, 
as  is  usual  at  all  much-worshipped  shrines,  were  loaded 
with  precious  stones  and  plates  of  gold.  The  face  of  each 
had  a  dark  and  bronzed  color,  resembling  the  complexi(jn 
of  the  far  east,  but  which  probably  is  a  usage  connected 
with  the  association  of  an  origin  and  destiny  that  are  su- 
perhuman. The  whole  was  illuminated  by  strong  lights, 
in  lamps  of  silver  gilt,  and  the  effect,  to  a  mind  indisposed 
to  doubt,  was  impressive,  and  of  a  singularly  mvsterious 
influence.  Such  was  the  shrine  of  our  Lady  of  the  Her- 
mits at  the  time  of  our  tale,  and  such  it  continues  to  be  to 
this  day,  with  some  immaterial  additions  and  changes,  that 
are  more  the  results  of  time  than  of  opinion. 

We  have  visited  this  resort  of  Catholic  devotion  in  that 
elevated  region  of  hill  and  frost  ;  have  strolled,  near 
the  close  of  day,  among  its  numerous  and  decorated 
chapels  ;  have  seen  the  bare-kneed  peasant  of  the  Black 
Forest,  the  swarthy  Hungarian,  the  glittering-eyed  Pied- 
montcse,  and  the  fair-haired  German,  the  Tyrolese,  and 
the  Swiss,  arrive,  in  groups,  wearied  and  foot-sore  ;  have 
w.atched  them  drinking  with  holy  satisfaction  at  the  seve- 
ral spouts,  and,  having  followed  them  to  the  front  of  the 
altar,  have  wondered  at  the  statue-like  immovability  with 
which  they  have  remained  kneeling,  without  changing 
their  gaze  from  that  of  the  unearthly-looking  image  that 
seemed  to  engross  their  souls.  Curiosity  led  us  to  the 
spot  alone,  and  at  no  moment  of  a  pilgrimage  in  foreign 
lands,  that  has  now  extended  to  years,  do  we  remember  to 
liave  felt  so  completely  severed  from  all  to  which  we  v/ere 
most  accustomed,  as  at  that  hour.     The  groups  arrived  in 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  295 

scores,  and,  without  pausing  to  exchange  a  greeting,  with- 
out thouglit  of  lodging  or  rest,  each  hurried  to  the  shrine, 
where  lie  seemed  embodied  with  the  stone  of  the  pave- 
ment, as,  with  riveted  eye  and  abased  mien,  he  murmured 
the  first  prayers  of  expiation  before  the  image  of  Mary. — 
But  to  return  to  the  narrative. 

For  the  first  hour  after  the  arrival  of  the  expected  pil- 
grims of  Duerckheim,  not  a  sign  of  recognition,  or  of 
grace,  was  manifested  in  the  convent.  The  officials  came 
and  went,  as  if  none  but  of  common  character  made  their 
expiations  ;  and  the  fixed  eye  and  swarthy  face  of  the  image 
seemed  to  return  each  steady  g^ze,  w^th  supernatural  tran- 
quillity. At  length  Arnolpli  arose,  and,  as  if  his  move- 
ments were  watclied,  a  bell  rang  in  a  distant  aisle.  A 
lateral  du(jr,  which  communicated  with  the  conventual 
buildings,  opened,  and  the  whole  brotherhood  issued 
through  it  int(3  the  body  of  the  church.  Arnolpli  immedi- 
ately kneeled  again,  and,  by  a  sign,  commanded  his  com- 
panions to  maintain  their  places.  Though  grievously 
wearied  with  their  positions,  the  men  complied,  but  neither 
of  the  females  had  yet  stirred. 

The  Benedictines  of  Einsiedlen  entered  the  church  in 
the  order  that  has  been  already  described  in  the  proces- 
sions of  Limburg.  The  junior  monks  came  first,  and  the 
dignitaries  last.  In  that  age,  their  Abbot  was  commonly 
of  a  noble  and  ancient,  and  sometimes  of  a  princely  house  ; 
for,  in  maintaining  its  influence,  the  Church  has  rarely 
been  known  to  overlook  the  agency  of  those  opinions  and 
prejudices  that  vulgarly  exist  among  men.  In  ever)"  case, 
however,  the  prelate  wiio  presided  over  this  favored  com- 
munity possessed,  in  virtue  of  his  office,  the  latter  tempo- 
ral distinction  ;  being  created  a  mitred  Abbot  and  a  Prince 
of  the  Empire,  on  the  day  of  his  consecration. 

During  the  shnv  advance  of  the  long  line  of  monks,  lliat 
now  drew  near  the  shrine,  there  was  a  chant  in  the  loft, 
and  the  deep  organ  accompanied  the  words,  on  a  low  key. 
Even  Albrecht  and  tii*:  Abbe  were  much  iinj^ressed,  wliile 
Emich  fairly  trembled,  like  one  that  had  niiwiuingly  com- 
mitted liimself  into  tlie  hniuls  of  his  enemies. 

The  head  of  the  train  swept  round  the  little  chapel,  and 
passed  with  measured  steps  before  tlie  pilgrims.  The  Prior 
and  the  female's  onlv  prayed  the  more  devoutly,  but  neither 
the  Count  nor  the  1  ;iirgomaster  could  prevent  their  truant 
eyes  from  watching  the  movement.   Dietrich,  little  schooled 


296  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

in  his  duties,  fairly  arose,  and  stood  repeating  reverences 
to  the  whole  fraternity,  as  it  passed.  When  the  close  drew 
near,  Emich  endeavored  to  catch  a  glance  of  the  Abbot's 
eyes,  hoping  to  exchange  one  of  those  secret  signs  of  cour- 
tesy, with  which  the  initiated,  in  every  class  of  life,  know 
how  to  express  their  sympathies.  To  his  confusion,  and 
slightly  to  his  uneasiness,  he  saw  the  well-known  counte- 
nance of  Bonifacius,  at  the  side  of  the  dignitary  who  pre- 
sided over  the  brotherhood  of  Einsiedlen.  The  glances  of 
these  ancient  and  seemingly  irreconcilable  rivals,  were  such 
as  might  have  been  anticipated.  That  of  Bonifacius  was 
replete  with  religious  pride,  and  a  resentment  that  was  at 
least  momentarily  gratified  ;  though  it  still  retained  glim- 
merings of  conscious  defeat  ;  while  that  of  Emich  was 
fierce,  mortified,  and  alarmed,  all  in  a  moment. 

But  the  train  swept  on,  and  it  was  not  long  ere  the 
music  announced  the  presence  of  the  procession  in  the 
choir.  Then  Arnolph  again  arose,  and,  followed  by  all 
the  pilgrims,  he  drew  near  to  listen  to  the  vespers.  After 
the  prayers,  the  usual  hymn  was  sung. 

*'  Himmel  !  Master  brother  Pilgrim,"  whispered  the 
smith  to  the  Burgomaster,  ''that  should  be  a  voice  known 
to  all  of  Duerckheim  !  " 

"  Umph  !  " — ejaculated  Heinrich,  who  sought  the  eye  of 
Emich.  "  These  Benedictines  sing  much  in  the  same 
strain,  Herr  Emich,  whether  it  be  in  Limburg,  or  here  in 
the  church  of  our  Lady  of  the  Hermits." 

"By  my  fathers!  Master  Frey,  but  thou  sayest  true! 
To  treat  thee  as  a  confidant,  I  little  like  this  intimate  cor- 
respondence between  the  Abbots,  and,  least  of  all,  to 
see  the  reverend  Bonifacius  enthroned  here,  in  this  distant 
land,  much  as  he  was  wont  to  be  in  our  valley.  I  fear 
me.  Burgomaster,  that  we  have  entered  lightly  on  this 
penance  ! " 

"  If  you  can  say  this,  well-born  Emich,  what  should  be 
the  reply  of  one  that  hath  wife  and  child,  in  addition  to 
his  own  person,  in  the  risk  ?  It  would  have  been  better  to 
covet  less  of  Heaven,  the  least  portion  of  which  must  natu- 
rally be  better  than  the  best  of  that  to  which  we  are  accus- 
tomed on  earth,  and  to  be  satisfied  with  the  advantages 
we  have.  Do  you  note,  noble  Count,  the  friendly  man- 
ner in  which  Bonifacius  regards  us  from  time  to  time  ?  " 

"  His  favors  do  not  escape  me,  Heinrich  ; — but  peace  ! 
we  shall  learn  more,  after  the  vespers  are  ended." 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  297 

Then  came  the  soothing  power  of  that  remarkable  voice. 
The  singer  had  been  presented  to  the  convent  of  Ein- 
sicdlen,  by  Bonifacius,  to  whom  lie  was  now  useless,  as  a 
boon  tiiat  was  certain  to  give  him  great  personal  favor  : 
and  so  it  had  proved  ;  for  in  those  communities,  that 
passed  their  lives  in  the  exercise  of  the  offices  of  the 
Church,  the  different  shades  of  excellence  in  the  execu- 
tion, or  tlie  greater  external  riches  and  decorations  of 
their  several  slu'incs,  often  usurped  the  place  of  a  nobler 
strife  in  zeal  and  self-denial.  The  ceremony  now  ended,  and 
a  brother,  approaching,  whispered  Father  Arnolph.  The 
latter  proceeded  to  the  sacristy,  attended  by  the  pilgrims, 
for  it  was  forbidden,  even  to  the  trembling  Meta,  to  seek 
refreshment  or  rest,  until  another  important  duty  had  been 
performed. 

The  sacristy  was  empty,  and  they  awaited  still  in  silence, 
while  the  music  of  the  organ  announced  the  retiring  pro- 
cession of  the  monks.  After  some  delay,  a  door  opened, 
and  the  Abbot  of  Einsiedlen,  accompanied  by  Bonifacius, 
appeared.  They  were  alone,  with  tlie  exception  of  the 
treasurer  of  the  Abbey  ;  and  as  the  place  was  closed,  tlie 
interview  that  now  took  place,  was  no  longer  subject  to 
the  vulgar  gaze, 

"  Thou  art  Emich,  Count  of  Hartenburg-Leiningen," 
said  the  prelate,  distinguishing  the  noble  spite  of  his  mean 
attire,  by  a  single  glance  of  an  eye  accustomed  to  scan  its 
equals; — "a  penitent  at  our  shrine,  for  wrongs  done  the 
Church,  and  for  dishonor  to  God  ?" 

"  I  am  Emich  of  Leiningen,  holy  Abbot !  " 

"  Dost  thou  disclaim  the  obligation  to  be  here  ? " 

"And  a  penitent  ; — "  the  words  "for  being  here"  being 
bitterly  added,  in  a  mental  reservation. 

The  Abbot  regarded  him  sternly,  fcjr  he  disliked  the  re- 
luctance of  his  tongue.  Taking  Bonifacius  apart,  they 
consulted  t(jgether  for  a  few  minutes  ;  then  returning  to 
the  group  of  pilgrims,  he  resumed — 

''  Thou  art  now  in  a  land  that  listeneth  to  no  heresies, 
Herr  von  Ilartenburg;  and  it  would  be  well  to  remember 
thy  vow,  and  thy  object.     Hast  thou  aught  to  say?" 

Emich  slowly  undid  his  scrip,  and  sought  his  offerings 
among  its  scanty  contents. 

"This  crucifix  was  obtained  by  a  noble  of  my  liousc, 
when  a  crusader.  It  is  of  jasper,  as  thou  sccst,  nn-erend 
Abbot,  and  it  is  not  otherwise  wanting  in  valuable  additions." 


298  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

The  Abbot  bowed,  in  the  manner  of  one  indifferent  to 
tlie  richness  of  tlie  boon,  signing  to  the  treasurer  to  accept 
tlic  gift.     There  was  then  a  brief  pause. 

"  This  censer  was  the  gift  of  a  noble  far  less  possessed 
than  thee  !  "  said  he  who  kept  the  treasures  of  the  Abbey, 
w^ith  an  emphasis  that  could  not  easily  be  mistaken. 

"  Thy  zeal  outstrippeth  the  limbs  of  a  weary  man, 
Brotlier. — Here  is  a  diamond,  that  hath  been  heirloom  of 
my  house,  a  century.     'Tvvas  an  emperor's  gift !  " 

'■'  It  is  well  bestowed  on  our  Lady  of  the  Hermits ; 
though  she  can  boast  of  far  richer  offerings  from  names 
less  known  than  thine." 

Emich  now  hesitated,  but  only  for  an  instant,  and  then 
laid  down  another  gift. 

"  This  vessel  is  suited  to  thy  offices,"  he  said,  "  being 
formed  for  the  altar's  services." 

"  Lay  the  cup  aside  ;"  sternly  and  severely  interrupted 
Bonifacius  :  '^  it  cometh  of  Limburg  !  " 

Emich  colored,  more  in  anger  than  in  shame,  however, 
for  in  that  age  plunder  was  one  of  the  speediest  and  most 
used  means  of  acquiring  wealth.  He  eyed  the  merciless 
Abbot,  fiercely,  without  speaking. 

"I  have  no  more,"  he  said  ;  ''the  wars — the  charges  of 
my  house — and  gold  given  the  routed  brotherhood,  have 
left  me  poor  ! " 

The  treasurer  turned  to  Heinrich,  with  an  eloquent  ex- 
pression of  countenance. 

*'Thou  wilt  remember,  Master  Treasurer,  that  there  is 
no  longer  any  question  of  a  powerful  baron,"  said  the 
Burgomaster,  "  but  that  the  little  I  have  to  give,  cometh 
of  a  poor  and  saddled  town.  First  we  offer  our  wishes  and 
our  prayers, — secondly,  we  present,  in  all  humility,  and 
with  the  wish  they  may  prove  acceptable,  these  spoons, 
wliich  may  be  of  use  in  some  of  thy  many  ceremonies, — 
thirdly,  this  candlestick,  which  though  small  is  waranted  to 
be  of  pure  gold,  by  jewellers  of  Frankfort : — and  lastly,  this 
cord,  with  which  seven  of  our  chief  men  have  grievously 
and  loyally  scourged  themselves,  in  reparation  of  the 
wrong  done  thy  brethren," 

All  these  offerings  were  graciously  received,  and  the 
monk  turned  to  the  others.  It  is  unnecessary  to  repeat 
the  different  donations  that  were  made  by  the  inferiors, 
who  came  from  the  castle  and  the  town.  That  of  Gottlob 
was,  or  pretended  to  be,  the  offending  horn,  which  had  so 


THE   HEIDEIVMAUER.  299 

irreverently  been  sounded  near  tlie  altar  of  Limburg,  and 
a  piece  of  j^old.  The  latter  was  the  identical  coin  he  had 
obtained  from  Bonifaciiis,  in  tlie  interview  which  led  to 
his  arrest ;  and  the  other  was  a  cracked  instrument,  that 
the  roguish  cow-herd  had  often  essayed  among  his  native 
hills,  without  the  least  success.  In  after-life,  when  the 
spirit  of  religious  party  grew  bolder,  he  often  boasted  of 
the  manner  in  which  he  had  tricked  the  Benedictines  by 
bestowing  an  instrument  so  useless. 

Ulrike  made  her  offering,  with  sincere  and  meek  peni- 
tence. It  consisted  of  a  garment  for  the  image  of  the 
Virgin,  which  had  been  chiefly  wrought  by  her  own  fair 
hands,  and  on  which  the  united  tributes  of  her  towns- 
women  had  been  expended,  in  the  way  of  ornaments,  and 
in  st(jnes  of  inferior  price.  The  gift  was  graciously  re- 
ceived ;  for  the  community  had  been  well  instructed  in 
the  different  characters  of  the  various  penitents. 

"  Hast  thou  aught  in  honor  of  Maria  ?'"  demanded  the 
treasurer  of  Lottchen. 

The  widowed  and  childless  woman  endeavored  to  speak, 
but  her  power  failed  her.  She  laid  upon  the  table,  how- 
ever, a  neatly  bound  and  illuminated  missal ;  a  cap  that 
seemed  to  have  no  particular  value,  except  its  tassel  of 
gold  and  green,  and  a  hunting  horn;  all  of  which,  with 
many  others  of  the  articles  named,  had  made  part  of  the 
load  borne  on  the  furniture  of  the  ass. 

"  These  are  unusual  gifts  at  our  shrine !  "  muttered  the 
monk. 

"Reverend  Benedictine,"  interrupted  Ulrike,  nearly 
breathless  in  the  generous  desire  to  avert  pain  from  her 
friend,  "they  are  extorted  from  her  who  gives,  like  drops 
of  blood  from  the  heart.  This  is  Lottchen  Hintermayer, 
of  vvh(jm  thou  hast  doubtless  heard?" 

The  name  of  Lottchen  Hintermayer  had  never  reached 
the  treasurer's  ear ;  but  the  sweet  and  persuasive  manner 
of  Ulrike  prevailed.  The  monk  bowed,  and  he  seemed 
satisfied.  The  next  that  advanced  was  Meta.  The  Bene- 
dictines all  appeared  struck  by  the  pallid  color  of  her 
cheek,  and  the  vacant,  hopeless,  expression  of  an  eye  that 
had  lately  been  so  joyous. 

"  The  journey  hath  been  hard  upon  our  daughter!  "  said 
the  ])rincely  Abbot,  with  gentleness  and  concern. 

"She  is  yoimg,  reverend  Father,"  answered  Ulrike; 
"but  God  will  temper  the  wind  to  the  shorn  lamb." 


300  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

The  Abbot  looked  surprised,  for  the  tones  of  the  mother 
met  his  car  with  an  appeal  as  touching  as  that  of  the  worn 
countenance  of  the  girl. 

''  Is  she  thy  child,  good  pilgrim  ?" 

**  Father,  slie  is — Heaven  make  me  grateful,  for  its 
blessed  gift ! " 

Another  gaze  from  the  w^ondering  priest,  and  he  gave 
place  to  the  treasurer,  who  advanced  to  receive  the  offer- 
ing. The  frame  of  Meta  trembled  violently,  and  she 
placed  a  hand  to  her  bosom.  Drawing  forth  a  paper,  she 
laid  it  simply  before  the  monk,  who  gazed  at  it  in  wonder. 

"  What  is  this  ?  "  he  asked.  "  It  is  the  image  of  a  youth, 
rudely  sketched !" 

"It  meaneth,  Father,"  half  whispered  Ulrike,  "that 
the  heart  which  loved  him,  now  belongs  to  God  !" 

The  Abbot  bowled,  hastily  signing  to  the  inferior  to  ac- 
cept the  offering  ;  and  he  walked  aside  to  conceal  a  tear 
that  started  to  his  eye.  Meta  at  that  moment  fell  upon 
her  mother's  breast,  and  was  borne  silently  from  the 
sacristy. 

The  men  followed,  and,  with  a  single  exception,  the  two 
Abbots  and  the  treasurer  were  now  left  alone. 

"  Hast  thou  an  offering,  good  w^oman  ? "  demanded  the 
latter  of  the  female  who  remained. 

"  Have  I  an  offering,  Father !  Dost  think  I  would 
come  thus  far  with  an  empty  hand  ?  I  am  Use,  Frau 
Frey's  nurse,  that  Duerckheim  hath  sent  on  this  pilgrim- 
age, as  an  offering  in  herself  ;  and  such  it  truly  is  for  frail 
bones,  and  threescore  and  past.  We  are  but  poor  town's- 
people  of  the  Palatinate,  but  then  we  know  w^hat  is  avail- 
able at  need  !  There  are  many  reasons  why  I  should  come, 
as  thou  shalt  hear.  Firstly,  I  was  in  Limburg  church 
when  the  deed  was " 

"  How  !  did  one  of  thy  years  go  forth  on  such  an  ex- 
pedition ? " 

"  Aye,  and  on  many  other  expeditions.  Firstly,  I  was 
with  the  old  Burgomaster,  Frau  Ulrike's  father,  when 
there  was  succor  sent  to  Manheim  ;  secondly,  I  beheld, 
from  our  hills,  the  onset  between  the  Elector's  men,  and 
the  followers  of " 

"  Dost  thou  serve  the  mother  of  yonder  weeping  girl  ?" 
demanded  the  Abbot,  cutting  short  the  history  of  Use's 
campaigns. 

"  A.nd  the  weeping  girl  herself,  reverend,  and  holy  and 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  301 

princely  Abbot,  and,  if  thou  wilt,  the  Burgomaster  too, 
for,  at  times,  in  sooth,  I  serve  the  whole  family." 

"  Canst  thou  repeat  the  history  of  her  sorrow  ?  " 

"  Naught  easier,  my  lord  and'  Abbot.  Firstly,  is  she 
youthful,  and  that  is  an  age  when  we  grieve  or  are  glad- 
dened with  little  reason  ;  then  she  is  an  only  child,  which 
is  apt  to  w^eaken  the  spirit  by  indulgence  ;  next,  she 
Is  fair,  which  often  tempts  the  heart  into  various  vanities, 
and,  doubtless,  into  sorrow,  among  the  others  ;  then  is  she 
foot-sore,  a  bitter  grief  of  itself  ;  and,  finally,  she  hath 
much  repentance  for  this  nefarious  sin,  of  which  we  arc 
not  yet  purged,  and  which,  unless  pardoned,  may  descend 
to  her,  among  other  bequests  from  her  father." 

*'  It  is  well.  Deposit  thy  gift,  and  kneel  that  I  may  bless 
thee." 

Use  did  as  ordered,  after  which  she  withdrew,  making 
many  reverences  in  the  act. 

As  the  door  closed  on  the  crone,  Bonifacius  and  his 
brother  Abbot  quitted  the  place  in  company,  leaving  the 
monk  charged  with  that  duty,  to  care  for  the  wealth  that 
had  been  so  liberally  added  to  the  treasury  of  Einsiedlen. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

— "  Israel,  are  these  men 
The  miglity  hearts  you  spoke  of  ?" — Byron. 

There  was  little  resemblance  in  the  characters  of  the 
two  prelates,  beyond  that  which  was  the  certain  conse- 
quence of  their  common  employment.  If  Bonifacius  was 
the  most  learned,  of  the  strongest  intellectual  gifts,  and,  in 
other  particulars  relating  to  the  mind,  of  the  higher  endow- 
ments, the  princely  Abbot  of  Einsiedlen  had  more  of  those 
gentle  and  winning  qualities  which  best  adorn  the  Ciu-is- 
tian  life.  Perhaps  neither  was  profoundly  and  meekly 
pious,  for  this  was  not  easy  to  men  surrounded  by  so  many 
inducements  to  Hatter  their  innate  weaknesses  :  but  b(jlli 
habitually  respected  the  outward  observances  of  their 
Cliurch  ;  and  both,  in  degrees  proportioned  to  the  bold- 
ness and  sagacity  of  their  respective  intellects,  yielded  failh 
to  tlie  virtue  of  its  offices. 

On  quitting  the  sacristy,  they  proceeded   through  the 


^2  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

cloisters,  to  the  abode  of  the  chief  of  the  community.  Here, 
closeted  together,  there  was  a  consultation  concerning 
their  further  proceedings. 

*'  Thou  wert  of  near  neighborhood,"  said  he  of  our  Lady 
of  the  Hermits,  ''to  this  hardy  baron,  Brother  Bonifacius  ?" 

"  As  thou  mayest  imagine  by  the  late  events.  There  lay 
but  a  few  arrow's  flights  between  his  castle  and  our  un- 
happy walls." 

"  Had  ye  good  understanding  of  old,  orcometh  the  pres- 
ent difficulty  from  long-standing  grievances  ?  " 

"  Thou  art  happy,  pious  Rudiger,  to  be  locked,  as  you 
are,  among  your  frosts  and  mountains,  beyond  the  reach 
of  noble's  arm,  and  beyond  the  desires  of  noble's  ambition. 
Limburg  and  the  craving  Counts  have  scarce  known  peace 
since  our  Abbey's  foundation.  Your  unquiet  baron  fills 
some  such  agency,  in  respect  to  our  religious  communities, 
as  that  which  the  unquiet  spirit  of  the  Father  of  Sin  occu- 
pies in  the  moral  world." 

"  And  yet,  I  doubt  that  the  severest  blow  we  are  to  re- 
ceive will  come  from  one  of  ourselves  !  If  all  that  rumor 
and  missives  from  the  Bishops  reveal,  be  true,  this  schism 
of  Luther  promises  us  a  lasting  injury  !  " 

Bonifacius,  whose  mind  penetrated  the  future  much  far- 
ther than  most  of  his  brethren  possessed  the  means  of  do- 
ing, heard  this  remark  gloomily;  and  he  sat  brooding  over 
the  pictures  which  a  keen  imagination  presented,  while  his 
companion  watched  the  play  of  his  massive  features,  with 
intuitive  interest. 

"  Thou  art  right,  princely  Abbot,"  the  former  at  length 
replied.  "  To  us,  both  the  future  and  the  past  are  filled 
with  lessons  of  deep  instruction,  could  w^e  but  turn  them 
to  present  advantage.  All  that  we  know  of  earth  shows 
that  each  physical  thing  returns  to  its  elements,  when  the 
object  of  its  creation  has  been  accomplished.  The  tree 
helps  to  pile  the  earth  which  once  nourished  its  roots  ;  the 
rock  crumbles  to  the  sand  of  which  it  was  formed  ;  and 
even  man  turns  to  that  dust  which  was  animated  that  he 
might  live.  Can  we  then  expect  that  our  Abbeys,  or  that 
even  the  Church  itself,  in  its  present  temporal  organiza- 
tion, will  stand  forever  ?  " 

"  Thou  hast  done  well  to  qualify  thy  words  by  saying 
temporal,  good  Bonifacius,  for  if  the  body  decays,  the  soul 
remains  ;  and  the  essence  of  our  communion  is  in  its  spir- 
itual character." 


THE  JIEIDENMAUER.  303 

**  Hearken,  right  reverend  and  noble  Riidiger.  Go  ask 
of  Luther  the  niceties  of  liis  creed  on  this  point,  and  he 
will  tell  thee,  that  he  is  a  believer  in  tiie  transmigration  of 
souls — that  he  keepeth  this  spiritual  character,  but  in  a 
new  dress  ;  and  that,  while  he  consigns  the  ancient  body 
to  the  tomb,  he  only  lightens  the  imperishable  part  of  a 
burden  that  has  grown  too  heavy  to  be  borne." 

"  But  this  is  rank  rebellion  to  authority,  and  flat  refusal 
of  doctrine  !  " 

''  Of  the  former,  there  can  be  no  question  ;  and,  as  to 
our  German  regions,  most  seem  prepared  to  incur  its  risks. 
In  respect  to  doctrine,  learned  Rudiger,  you  now  broach  a 
thesis  which  resembles  the  bells  in  your  convent  towers — 
on  which  there  may  be  rung  endless  changes,  from  the 
simple  chime  to  a  triple-bob-major." 

"•Nay,  reverend  Bonifacius,  thou  treatest  a  grave  sub- 
ject with  irreverent  levity.  If  we  are  to  tolerate  these  in- 
novations, there  is  an  end  of  discipline  ;  and  I  marvel  that 
a  dignified  priest  should  so  esteem  them  !  " 

"Thou  dost  me  injustice,  Brother  ;  for  what  I  urge  is 
said  in  befitting  seriousness.  The  ingenuity  of  man  is  so 
subtle,  and  his  doubts,  once  engaged,  so  restless,  that  when 
the  barrier  of  discipline  is  raised,  I  know  no  conclusion  for 
which  a  clever  head  may  not  find  a  reason.  Has  it  never 
struck  thee,  reverend  Rudiger,  that  a  great  error  hath  been 
made  from  the  commencement,  in  founding  all  our  ordi- 
nances to  regulate  society,  whether  they  be  of  religious  or 
of  mere  temporal  concerns  ?  " 

"  Thou  asketh  this  of  one  who  hath  been  accustomed  to 
think  of  his  superiors  with  respect." 

"  I  touch  not  on  our  superiors,  nor  on  their  personal 
qualities.  What  I  would  say  is,  that  oiu*  theories  are  too 
often  faulty,  inasmuch  as  they  are  made  to  suit  former 
practices  ;  whereas,  in  a  well-ordered  world,  methinks  the 
theory  should  come  first,  and  the  usage  follow  as  a  conse- 
quence of  suitable  conclusions." 

"This  might  have  done  for  him  who  possessed  Eden, 
but  those  who  came  after  were  com})elled  to  receive  things 
as  they  v/ere,  and  to  turn   them  to  profit  as  they  might." 

"  Brother  and  princely  Abbot,  thon  hast  grappled  with 
the  dilemma  !  Could  we  be  placed  in  the  occupancy  of  this 
goodly  heritage,  untrammelled  Ijy  ])reviously  endeared  in- 
terests, seeing  the  truth,  naught  would  be  easier  than  to 
make  practice  conform  to  theory  ;   but,  being  that  we  arc, 


304  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

priest  and  noble,  saint  and  sinner,  philosopher  and  world- 
ling, why,  look  you,  the  theory  is  driven  to  conform  to  the 
necessities  of  practice  ;  and  hence  doctrine,  at  the  best,  is 
but  a  convertible  authority.  As  a  Benedictine,  and  a  lover 
of  Rome,  I  would  that  Luther  had  been  satisfied  with  mere 
changes  in  habits,  for  these  may  be  accommodated  to 
climates  and  prejudices  ;  but  when  the  flood-gates  of  dis- 
cussion are  raised,  no  man  can  say  to  what  extent,  or  in 
what  direction,  the  torrent  will  flow." 

*'Thoa  hast  little  faith,  seemingly,  in  the  quality  of 
reason  ? " 

Bonifacius  regarded  his  companion  a  moment  w^ith  an 
ill-concealed  sneer. 

^'Surely,  holy  Rudiger,"  he  gravely  replied,  "thou  hast 
not  so  long  governed  thy  fellows  to  put  this  question  to 
me  !  Hadst  thou  said  passion,  we  might  right  quickly 
come  to  an  understanding.  The  corollaries  of  our  animal 
nature  follow  reasonably  enough  from  the  proposition  ; 
but  when  we  quit  the  visible  landmarks  of  the  species,  to 
launch  upon  the  ocean  of  speculation,  we  commit  ourselves, 
like  the  mariner  who  trusts  his  magnet,  to  an  unknown 
cause.  He  that  is  a-hungered  will  eat,  and  he  that  is  pained 
wull  roar  ;  he  that  hath  need  of  gold  will  rob,  in  some 
shape  or  other  ;  and  he  that  loveth  his  ease  may  prefer 
quiet  to  trouble  ;  all  this  may  be  calculated,  with  other  in- 
ferences that  follow  ;  but  if  thou  wilt  tell  me  what  course 
the  Lammergeyer  will  take  wiien  he  hath  soared  beyond 
the  Alps,  I  will  tell  thee  the  direction  in  which  the  mind 
of  man  will  steer,  wiien  fairly  afloat  on  the  sea  of  specula- 
tion and  argument." 

''The  greater  the  necessity  that  it  should  be  held  in  the 
wholesome  limits  of  discipline  and  doctrine." 

"  Were  doctrine  like  our  convent  walls,  all  would  be 
well  ;   but  being  what  it  is,  men  become  what  they  are." 

"  Hovy  !  Dost  thou  account  faith  for  naught  ?  I  have 
heard  there  were  brothers  of  deep  piety  in  Limburg.  Fa- 
ther Johan,  who  perished  in  defence  of  thy  altars,  may  go 
near  to  be  canonized — to  say  nothing  of  the  excellent 
Prior,  who  is  here  among  us  on  this  pilgrimage." 

"  I  count  faith  for  much,  excellent  Brother  ;  and  happy 
is  he  who  can  satisfy  uneasy  scruples  by  so  pleasant  an 
expedient.  Brother  Johan  may  be  canonized,  if  our  Father 
of  Rome  shall  see  fit,  hereafter,  and  the  fallen  Limburg 
will  have  reason  to  exult  in  its  member.    Still  I  do  not  see 


THE   HEIDENMAUER,  305 

that  the  unhappy  Johan  proveth  aught  against  the  nature 
of  doctrine,  for,  had  he  been  possessed  of  less  pertinacity 
in  certain  of  liis  opinions,  he  would  have  escaped  the  fate 
which  befell  him." 

*'  Is  martyrdom  a  lot  to  displease  a  Christian  ?  Bethink 
thee  of  the  Fathers,  and  of  their  ends !  " 

*'  Had  Johan  bethought  him  more  of  their  fortunes,  his 
own  might  have  been  different.  Reverend  Abbot,  Johan 
hath  long  ceased  to  be  a  riddle  to  me  ; — though  I  deny  not 
his  utility  with  the  peasant  and  the  fervent.  But  him  thou 
hast  last  mentioned" — here  Bonifacius  leaned  a  cheek  on 
liis  hand,  and  spoke  like  one  that  was  seriously  perplexed — 
"  him  thou  namcdst  last — ihe  sincere,  and  wise,  and  simple 
Arnolph,  have  I  never  truly  comprehended  !  That  man 
appeareth  equally  contented  in  his  cell  or  in  his  stall  ; 
honored  equally  in  his  office,  and  on  this  weary  pilgrimage  ; 
whether  in  prosperity  or  in  misfortune,  he  is  ever  at  peace 
with  himself  and  with  others.  Here  is  truly  a  man  that  no 
reasoning  of  mine  hath  been  able  to  fathom.  He  is  not 
ambitious,  for  thrice  hath  he  refused  the  mitre  !  He  is 
sustained  by  no  wild  visions  or  deceitful  fantasies,  like  the 
iinhappv  Johan  ;  nor  yet  is  he  indifferent  to  any  of  the 
more  severe  practices  of  his  profession,  all  of  which  are 
observed  quietly,  and  seemingly  with  satisfaction.  He  is 
learned,  without  the  desire  of  discussion  ;  meek,  amid  a 
firmness  that  would  despise  the  stake  ;  and  forgiving  to  a 
degree  that  might  lead  us  to  call  him  easy,  but  for  a  con- 
sistency that  never  seemeth  to  yield  to  any  influence  of 
season,  events,  or  hopes.  Truly,  tliis  is  a  man  that  bafffeth 
all  my  knowledge  !  " 

Bonifacius,  in  despite  of  his  acquirements,  his  masculine 
intellect,  and  his  acquaintance  with  men,  did  not  perceive 
how  much  he  admitted  against  himself,  by  expressing  his 
own  inability  t(j  fatliom  the  motives  of  the  Prior.  Nor  did 
tlie  enigma  appear  to  be  perfectly  intelligible  to  his  com- 
panion, wluWistened  curiously  to  the  other's  description  of 
their  brotlier  ;  mucli  as  we  hearken  to  a  history  of  inex- 
pHcable  or  supernatural  incidents. 

"  I  have  heard  nuicli  of  Arnolpli,"  observed  the  latter, 
"  though  nev(M- matter  so  strange  as  tliis  ; — and  yet  most 
seem  to  love  liiin  ! " 

"Therein  is  his  ])()wer  !  — tliougli  often  most  ojiposed  to 
me,  I  cannot  say  tliat  I  myself  am  indifferent  to  the  man — 
By  our  patron  saint  !  I  sometimes  fain  believe  I  love 
20 


3o6  THE  IIEIDENMAUER. 

him  !  He  was  among  the  last  to  desert  our  altars,  when 
pressed  by  this  rapacious  noble,  and  his  credulous  and 
silly  burghers  ;  and  yet  was  he  foremost  to  forgive  the  in- 
jury Avhcn  committed.  But  for  him,  and  his  high  influence 
with  the  Bishops,  there  might  have  been  blows  for  blows 
spite  of  this  schism  that  hath  turned  so  many  in  Germany 
from  our  support." 

"And  since  thou  speakest  of  the  schism,  in  what  man- 
ner dost  thou  account  for  an  innovation  so  hardy  in  a  re- 
gion that  is  usually  esteemed  reasonable !  There  must 
have  been  relaxation  of  authority ;  for  there  is  no  expedient 
so  certain  to  prevent  heresies,  or  errors  of  doctrine,  as  a 
Church  well  established,  and  which  is  maintained  by  fitting 
autliority." 

Bonifacius  smiled,  for  even  in  that  early  age,  his  pen- 
etrating mind  saw  the  fallacy  to  which  the  other  was  a 
dupe. 

"  This  is  well  when  there  is  right ;  but  when  there  is 
error.  Brother,  your  established  authority  does  but  uphold 
it.  The  provisions  that  are  made  in  thy  comfortable  abode 
to  keep  the  cold  air  out,  may  be  the  means  of  keeping  foul 
air  within." 

'•  In  this  manner  of  reasoning,  truth  can  have  no  ex- 
istence ! — Thou  dreadest  doctrine,  and  thou  wilt  naught  of 
discipline  !  " 

"  Nay,  holy  Rudiger,  in  the  latter  thou  greatly  miscon- 
ceiveth  me.  Of  discipline  I  would  have  all  that  is  possi- 
ble ;  I  merely  deny  that  it  is  any  pledge  of  truth.  We  are 
apt  to  say  that  a  well-ordained  and  established  Church  is 
the  buttress  of  truth,  when  experience  plainly  showeth 
that  this  discipline  doeth  more  harm  to  trutli  than  it  can 
ever  serve  it,  and  that  simply  because  there  can  be  but  one 
truth,  while  tliere  are  many  modes  of  discipline  ;  many  es- 
tablishments therefore  uphold  many  errors,  or  truth  hath 
no  identity  with  itself." 

"Thou  surprisest  me! — Whatever  may  come  of  this 
heresy,  as  yet,  I  know  of  but  one  assault  on  our  supremacy  ; 
and  tliat  cometh  of  error,  as  we  come  of  right." 

"  This  is  well  for  Christendom,  but  what  sayeth  it  for 
your  Moslem — your  ii re-worshipper — your  Hindoo — your 
Pagan,  and  all  the  rest ;  any  one  of  whom  is  just  as  ready 
to  keep  out  error  by  discipline,  as  we  of  Rome?  Until 
now,  certainly  among  Christians  this  evil  hath  not  often 
happened,  though  even  we  are  not  without  our  differences : 


THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


7P1 


but  looking-  to  this  advance  of  the  printing  art,  and  of  the 
variety  of  opinions  that  are  its  fruits,  I  foresee  that  we  are 
to  have  many  opposing  expedients,  all  of  which  will  be 
equally  well  pondered  and  concocted  to  keep  in  truth,  and 
to  exclude  error.  This  pretensicm  of  high  authority,  and 
of  close  exactions  to  maintain  purity  of  doctrine,  and  what 
we  deem  truth,  is  well,  as  tlie  jurists  say,  quoad  hoc ;  but 
touching  the  general  question,  I  do  not  see  its  virtue. 
Now  that  men  enlist  with  passion  in  these  spiritual  dis- 
cussions, we  may  look  to  see  various  modifications  of  the 
Cluu-ch,  all  of  which  will  be  more  or  less  buttressed  by 
human  expedients,  as  so  many  preservatives  of  truth  ;  but 
when  the  time  shall  come  that  countries  and  communities 
are  divided  among  themselves  on  these  subtleties,  look 
you,  excellent  Rudiger,  we  may  expect  to  shut  in  as  much 
error  by  our  laws  and  establishments,  as  we  shall  shut  out. 
I  fear  heaven  is  a  goal  that  must  be  reached  by  a  general 
mediation,  leaving  each  to  give  faith  to  the  minor  points 
of  doctrine,  according  to  his  habits  and  abilities." 

"This  savors  more  of  the  houseless  Abbot  than  of  him 
who  lately  had  an  obedient  and  flourishing  brotherhood!" 
Rudiger  somewhat  piquantly  rejoined, 

Bonifacius  was  unmoved  by  the  evident  allusion,  regard- 
ing his  companion  coolly,  and  like  a  man  who  too  well 
knew  his  own  superiority  easily  to  take  offence.  His  re- 
ply, however,  would  probably  have  been  a  retort,  notwith- 
standing this  seeming  moderation,  had  not  a  door  opened, 
and  Arnolph  quietly  entered  the  room. 

The  reception  of  the  Prior,  by  his  two  mitred  brethren, 
proved  the  deep  respect  which  had  so  universally  been  won 
by  his  self-denying  qualities.  In  the  great  struggle  of  the 
contlicting  egotism  which  composes,  in  a  great  degree, 
the  principle  of  most  of  the  actions  of  this  uneasy  world, 
no  one  is  so  likely  to  command  universal  esteem,  as  he 
who  ayjpears  willing  to  bear  the  burden  of  life,  with  as 
little  as  possible  of  its  visible  benefits,  by  withdrawing 
himself  from  the  arena  of  its  contentions.  In  the  great 
mass,  an  occasional  retreat  from  the  struggle,  on  the  part 
of  those  who  have  few  means  of  success,  creates  but  little 
feeling  of  any  sort,  perhaps  ;  but  when  he  that  liath  un- 
deniable pretensions  exhibits  this  forbearance,  he  may  be 
certain  of  obtaining  full  credit  for  all  that  he  possesses, 
and  more,  even  to  the  admission  of  qualifications  that 
would  be  vehenienliy  denied  had  he  taken  a  different  atti- 


3o8  TlIK   IIl'lIDKNMAUEl^. 

tudc  in  respect  to  his  rivals.  Such  was,  in  some  measure, 
the  position  of  Fatlier  Arnolph  ;  and  Bonifacius  Iiimself 
never  struggled  to  resist  his  natural  impulses  towards  the 
pious  monk,  having  a  secret  persuasion  that  none  of  his 
virtues,  however  publicly  proclaimed,  were  likely  to  mili- 
tate against  his  own  interests. 

"Thou  art  much  wearied,  holy  Prior,"  said  the  Abbot 
of  Einsiedlen,  offering  a  seat  to  his  visitor,  with  assiduous 
and  flattering  attention. 

**  I  count  it  not,  princely  Rudiger  ;  having  lightened  the 
way  with  much  good  discourse,  and  many  prayers  ;  my 
pilgrims  are  faint,  but,  happily  arrived,  they  are  now  fair- 
ly committed  to  the  convent's  hospitality." 

"Thou  hast  with  thee,  reverend  Arnolph,  a  noble  of 
high  esteem  in  thy  German  country  ? " 

"  Of  ancient  blood,  and  of  great  worldly  credit,"  re- 
turned the  Prior,  with  reserve. 

"What  thinkest  thou,  Brother  Bonifacius? — It  may  not 
be  prudent  to  make  any  very  public  manifestations  of  a 
difference  of  treatment,  between  those  \\\\o  seek  our 
shrine  ;  but  do  not  hospitality  and  such  courtesy  as  mark- 
etli  our  own  breeding,  demand  some  private  greetings.  Is 
my  opinion  suitable,  worthy  Arnolph?" 

"God  is  no  respecter  of  persons.  Abbot  of  Einsiedlen." 

*'  Can  any  know  this  better  than  ourselves  ?  But  we 
pretend  not  to  perfection,  nor  can  our  judgments  be  setup 
as  decisive  of  men's  merits,  farther  than  belongs  to  our 
office.  Ours  is  an  hospitable  order,  and  we  are  privileged 
to  earn  esteem,  and  therefore  doth  it  appear  to  me  not 
only  becoming  but  politic  to  show  a  noble  of  this  repute, 
and  at  a  moment  when  heresy  runs  mad,  that  we  do  not 
overlook  the  nature  of  his  sacrifices.  Thou  art  silent, 
Brother  Abbot ! " 

Tlie  Abbot  of  Limburg  listened  with  secret  satisfaction, 
for  he  had  views  of  his  own  that  the  proposal  favored. 
He  was  therefore  about  to  give  a  ready  assent,  when  Ar- 
nolph interrupted  him. 

"  I  have  nobles  among  my  followers,  right  reverend  Ab- 
bot," said  the  latter,  earnestly;  ''and  I  have  those  that 
deserve  to  be  more  than  noble,  if  deep  Christian  humility 
can  claim  to  be  so  esteemed.  I  did  not  come  to  speak  of 
Emich  of  Hartenburg,  but  of  spirits  sorely  bruised,  and 
to  beg  of  thee,  in  their  behalf,  a  boon  of  churchly  offices." 

"  Name  it,  Father,  and  make  certain  of  its  fair  reception. 


THE   TFETDENMAUER.  309 

But  it  is  now  late,  and  no  rites  of  the  morrow  need  defeat 
our  intentions  of  honest  hospitality." 

"They  in  whose  behalf  I  would  speak,"  said  Arnolph, 
with  apparent  mortification,  *'  are  already  without ;  if  ad- 
mitted, they  may  best  explain  their  own  desires." 

The  Abbot  signified  a  ready  assent  to  receive  these  vis- 
itors, and  the  Prior  hastened  to  admit  them,  anticipating 
a  wholesome  effect  on  tlie  minds  of  his  superiors  from  the 
interview.  When  he  reappeared,  he  was  followed  by  Ul- 
rike,  Lottchen,  and  Meta,  who  came  after  him  in  the  or- 
der named.  Both  the  Abbots  seemed  surprised,  for  it  ex- 
ceeded their  confidence  in  themselves  to  admit  visitors  of 
that  sex,  at  an  hour  so  equivocal,  in  the  more  retired 
parts  of  the  buildings,  and  they  counted  little  on  the  bold- 
ness of  innocence. 

"  This  exceedeth  usage  !"  exclaimed  the  superior  of  Ein- 
siedlen.  "  It  is  true,  we  have  our  privileges,  pious  Ar- 
nolph, but  they  are  resorted  to  with  great  discretion." 

"  Fear  not,  holy  Abbot,"  Arnolph  calmly  answered, 
**this  visit  may  at  least  claim  to  be  as  harmless  as  that  of 
those  thou  hast  just  named.  Speak,  virtuous  Ulrike,  that 
thy  wishes  may  be  known." 

Ulrike  crossed  herself,  first  casting  a  tearful  eye  on  the 
pallid  and  depressed  countenances  of  her  daughter  and  of 
her  friend. 

"We  are  come  to  your  favored  shrine,  princely  and 
pious  Abbot,"  she  slowly  commenced,  like  one  who  feared 
the  effects  of  her  own  words,  "penitents,  pilgrims,  and  ac- 
knowledging our  sins,  in  order  to  expiate  a  great  wrong, 
and  to  implore  Heaven's  pardon.  The  accomplishment  of 
our  wishes  hath  been  promised  by  the  Church,  and  by  one 
greater  than  the  Church,  should  we  bring  with  us  contrite 
hearts.  In  this  behalf,  then,  we  have  now  little  to  offer, 
since  our  pious  guide,  the  Ijeloved  and  instructed  Arnt)lph, 
hath  taught  us  to  omit  no  observance,  nor  hath  he,  iu 
any  particular,  left  us  ignorant  of  the  slate  of  mind  that 
best  befitteth  our  present  undertaking.  But,  right  rever- 
end Al)b(jt " 

"Proceed,  daugliter;  tliou  wilt  find  all  here  ready  to 
listen,"  said  Rudiger,  kindly,  obseiving  that  her  words 
became  choked,  and  that  she  continued  to  cast  uneasy 
looks  at  Lottchen  and  Meta.  The  voice  of  the  speaker 
sank,  but  her  tones  were  still  more  earnest,  as  she  con- 
tinued. 


3IO  THE   HEIDT'INATAUF.R. 

'*  Holy  Benedictine,  aided  by  Heaven's  kindness,  I  will. 
In  all  that  toucheth  our  pilgrimage  and  its  duties,  we  con- 
fide entirely  to  the  pious  counsel  of  the  learned  and  godly 
Arnolph,  and  he  will  tell  you  that  naught  material  hath  by 
us  been  neglected.  We  have  prayed,  and  confessed,  and 
fasted,  and  done  the  needed  expiations,  in  a  meek  mood, 
and  with  contrite  hearts.  We  come  then  to  ask  a  service 
of  this  favored  community,  which,  we  trust,  may  not  be 
refused  to  the  Christian." 

The  Abbot  looked  surprised,  but  he  awaited  her  own 
time  to  continue. 

"It  hath  pleased  Heaven  to  call  away  one  dear  to  us,  at 
a  short  summons,"  proceeded  Ulrike,  not  without  casting 
another  fearful  glance  at  her  companions  ;  "and  we  would 
ask  the  powerful  prayers  of  the  community  of  Our  Lady  of 
the  Hermits,  in  behalf  of  his  soul." 

"  Of  what  age  was  the  deceased  ?  " 

*'  God  summoned  him,  reverend  Abbot,  in  early  youth." 

"  By  what  means  did  he  come  to  his  end  ? " 

'*  By  a  sudden  display  of  Heaven's  power." 

"Died  he  at  peace  with  God  and  the  Church?" 

"Father,  his  end  was  sudden  and  calamitous.  None  can 
know  the  temper  of  the  mind  at  that  awful  moment." 

^*  But  did  he  live  in  the  practices  of  our  faith?  Thou 
comest  of  a  region  in  whicli  there  is  much  heresy,  and  this 
is  an  hour  in  whicli  the  shepherd  cannot  desert  the  fold." 

Ulrike  paused,  for  the  breathing  of  her  friend  was  thick 
and  audible. 

"Princely  Abbot,  he  was  a  Christian.  I  held  him  myself 
at  the  font.  This  humble  penitent  and  pilgrim  gave  him 
birth,  and  to  this  holy  Prior  hath  he  often  confessed." 

The  Abbot  greatly  disliked  the  manner  of  the  answers. 
His  brow  drew  over  the  eyes,  and  he  turned  jealous  glances 
from  Arnolph  to  the  females, 

"  Canst  thou  vouch  for  thy  penitent  ? "  he  demanded 
abruptly  of  the  Prior. 

"  His  soul  hath  need  of  masses." 

"Was  he  tainted  with  the  heresy  of  the  times  ? " 

Arnolph  paused.  His  mind  luiderwent  a  severe  strug- 
gle, for,  while  he  distrusted  the  opinions  of  Berchthold,  he 
knew  nothing  that  a  scrupidous  and  conscientious  judge 
could  fairly  construe  into  unequivocal  evidence  of  his  dere- 
liction from  the  Church, 

"  Thou  dost  not  answer,  Prior  !  " 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  311 

**  God  hath  not  gifted  mc  with  knowledge  to  judge  the 
secret  heart." 

"  Ha  !  this  grows  plainer.  Reverend  Bonifacius,  canst 
thou  say  aught  of  this  ? " 

The  dethroned  Abbot  of  Limburg  had,  at  first,  listened 
to  the  dialogue  with  indifference.  There  had  even  been 
an  ironical  smile  on  his  lips  while  Ulrike  was  speaking, 
but  when  Arnolph  was  questioned,  it  disappeared  in  an 
active  and  a  curious  desire  to  know  in  what  manner  a  man 
so  conscientious  would  extricate  himself  from  the  dilemma. 
Thus  directly  questioned,  however,  he  found  himself 
obliged  to  become  a  party  in  the  discourse. 

'*  I  well  know,  princely  and  pious  Rudiger,  that  heresy 
is  rife  in  our  misguided  Palatinate,"  he  answered;  "else 
would  not  the  Abbot  of  Limburg  be  a  houseless  guest  in 
Einsiedlen." 

'"Thou  hearest,  daughter!  The  youth  is  suspected  of 
having  died  an  enemy  of  the  Church." 

"  The  greater  the  errors,  if  this  be  true,  the  greater  the 
need  that  prayers  be  offered  for  his  soul." 

"  This  would  be  truly  aiding  Lucifer  in  his  designs  to 
overturn  our  tabernacles,  and  a  weakness  not  to  be  in- 
dulged. I  am  grieved  to  be  compelled  to  show  this  disci- 
pline to  one  of  thy  seeming  zeal,  but  our  altars  cannot  be 
defiled  by  sacrifices  in  behalf  of  those  who  despise  them. 
Was  the  youth  connected  with  the  fall  of  Limburg? " 

"  Father,  he  died  in  the  crush  of  its  roofs,"  said  Ulrike, 
in  nearly  inaudible  syllables  ;  "and  we  deem  the  manner 
of  his  end  another  reason  why  extraordinary  masses  should 
be  said  in  his  behalf" 

"  Thou  askest  an  impossibility.  Were  we  to  yield  to  our 
pity,  in  these  cases  of  desperate  heresies,  it  would  dis- 
courage the  faithful,  and  embolden  th(jse  who  are  already 
too  independent." 

"  Father  !  "  said  a  tremulous  and  low,  but  eager  voice. 

"  What  wouldest  thou,  daughter  ? "  asked  the  Abbot, 
turning  to  Lottchen. 

"  Listen  to  a  mother's  prayer.  The  boy  was  born  and 
educated  in  the  bosom  of  the  Church.  For  reasons  at 
which  I  do  not  repine,  Heaven  early  showed  its  displcas- 
in-e  on  his  father  and  on  me.  We  were  rich,  and  we  be- 
came poor  ;  we  were  esteemed  of  men,  and  we  learned 
how  much  better  is  tiie  support  of  God.  We  submitted  ; 
and  when  we  saw  those  who  had  once  looked  up  to  us  in 


3T2 


THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


respect,  looking  down  upon  us  in  scorn,  we  kissed  the 
child,  were  grateful,  and  did  not  repine.  Even  this  trial 
was  not  sufficient — the  father  was  taken  from  his  pains 
and  mortifications,  and  my  son  put  on  the  livery  of  a  baron. 
I  will  not  say — I  cannot  say — my  strength  would  have  been 
equal  to  all  this  of  itself.  An  angel,  in  the  form  of  this 
constant  and  excellent  woman,  was  sent  to  sustain  me. 
Until  the  late  wrong  to  Limburg,  we  had  our  hopes  and 
our  hours  of  happiness — but  that  crime  defeated  all.  My 
boy  hath  perished  by  a  just  anger,  and  I  remain  to  im- 
plore Heaven  in  his  behalf.  Wilt  thou  refuse  the  Churcli's 
succor  to  a  childless  mother,  who,  this  favor  obtained,  will 
be  ready  to  bless  God  and  die  ?" 

"  Thou  troublest  me,  daughter  ;  but  I  beg  thee  to  re- 
member I  am  but  the  guardian  of  a  high  and  sacred  trust." 

"  Father ! "  said  a  second  and  still  more  thrilling  appeal. 

"  Thou  too,  child  !  What  wouldest  thou  of  one  but  too 
ready  to  yield,  were  it  not  for  duty  ?" 

Meta  had  kneeled,  and  throwing  back  the  hood  of  her 
pilgrim's  mantle,  the  change  left  her  bloodless  face  ex- 
posed to  the  Abbot's  viev/.  The  girl  seemed  severely 
struggling  w^th  herself  ;  then,  finding  encouragement  in 
her  mother's  eye,  she  was  able  to  continue. 

'*  I  know^,  most  holy  and  very  reverend  Abbot,"  she  com- 
menced, with  an  evidently  regulated  phraseology,  like  one 
who  had  been  instructed  how  to  make  the  appeal,  "  that 
the  Church  hath  need  of  much  discipline  ;  without  which 
there  would  be  neither  duration  nor  order  in  its  existence. 
This  hath  my  mother  taught  me  ;  and  we  both  admit  it, 
and  prize  the  truth.  For  this  reason  have  we  submitted 
ourselves  to  all  its  ordinances,  never  failing  to  confess  and 
worship,  or  to  observe  fasts  and  saints'  days.  Even  the 
mitred  Bonifacius,  there,  will  not  deny  this,  as  respects 
either  of  us " 

Meta  delayed,  as  if  inviting  the  Abbot  to  gainsay  her 
words  if  he  could  ;  but  Bonifacius  was  silent. 

''  As  for  him  that  hath  died,"  resumed  Meta,  whose  voice 
sounded  like  plaintive  music,  "  this  is  the  truth.  He  was 
born  a  Christian,  and  he  never  said  aught  in  my  presence 
against  the  Church.  Thou  canst  not  think,  father,  that 
he  who  sought  my  esteem,  would  strive  to  gain  it  by  means 
that  no  Christian  girl  could  respect  ?  Tliat  he  was  often 
at  the  Abbey  confessionals  I  know;  and  that  he  was  in  fa- 
vor with  this  holy  Prior,  thou  hast  but  to  ask,  to  learn. 


THR   IFEIDEMMAUER.  313 

In  going  against  Limburg,  lie  did  but  obey  his  lord,  as 
others  have  often  done  before  ;  and  surely  all  that  fall  in 
battle  are  not  to  be  hopelessly  condemned.  If  there  is 
heresy  in  Germany,  is  it  not  enough  of  itself  to  endure  so 
great  a  danger  in  life,  that  the  dead  must  be  abandoned 
to  their  past  acts,  without  succor  from  the  Church,  or 
thought  from  their  friends  ?  Oh  !  thou  wilt  think  better, 
holy  but  cruel  Rudiger,  of  thy  hasty  decision.  Give  us 
then  masses  for  poor  Berchtliold  !  I  know  not  what  Boni- 
facius  may  have  said  to  thee  in  secret,  concerning  the 
youth,  but  this  much  would  I  say  in  his  favor,  in  presence 
of  the  assembled  earth — more  pious  son,  more  faithful  fol- 
lower, a  braver  at  need,  a  more  gentle  in  intercourse,  a  truer 
or  kinder  heart  than  his,  does  not  now  beat  in  the  Palati- 
nate !  I  know  not  but  I  exceed  the  limits  of  a  maiden's 
speech,  in  what  I  say,"  continued  the  girl  ardently,  a  bright 
spot  shining  on  each  cheek  amid  her  tears,  "  but  the  dead 
are  mute,  and  if  those  they  loved  are  cold  to  their  wants, 
in  what  manner  is  Heaven  to  know  their  cruel  need  ?" 

"Good  daughter,"  interrupted  the  Abbot,  who  began  to 
feel  distressed,  **we  \\\\\  think  of  this.  Go  thou  to  thy 
rest, — and  may  G(3d  bless  thee  !  " 

"  Nay,  I  cannot  sleep  wdiile  the  soul  of  Berchtliold  en- 
dures this  jeopardy  !  Perhaps  the  Church  will  demand 
penance  in  his  behalf.  My  mother  Lottchen  is  no  longer 
young  and  strong,  as  formerly  ;  but  thou  seest,  father,  what 
I  am  !  Name  what  thou  w^ilt — pilgrimages,  fasts,  stripes, 
prayers,  or  vigils,  are  alike  to  me.  Nay,  think  not  that  I 
regard  them  !  Thou  canst  not  bestow  more  happiness  than 
to  give  this  task  for  poor  Berchthold's  sake.  Oh  !  hadst 
thou  known  him,  holy  monk,  so  kind  with  the  weak,  so 
gentle  with  us  maidens,  and  so  true,  thou  wouldst  not,  nay, 
thou  couldst  not  need  another  prayer  to  grant  the  masses  !" 

*' Bonifacius,  is  tliere  no  means  of  justifying  the  conces- 
sion ?  " 

"I  would  speak  t(j  thee.  Brother,"  answered  he  of  Lim- 
burg, who,  with  a  thoughtful  countenance,  awaited  his 
companion  a  little  apart  from  the  others. 

The  conference  of  the  t\v(j  jjix'lates  was  short,  but  it 
was  decisive. 

"Take  away  the  child,"  said  the  Abbot  Rudiger,  to  Ul- 
rike  ;  "  the  weight  of  Heaven's  displeasure  must  be  borne." 

The  Prior  sighed  heavily  ;  but  he  signed  for  the  females 
to  obey,  like  one  who  saw   the  uselessness  of  further  en- 


314  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

treaties.  Leading  the  way,  he  left  the  Abbot's  abode,  his 
companions  following  ;  nor  did  a  murmur  escape  either 
while  giving  this  proof  of  patient  submission.  It  was  only 
when  Ulrike  and  Lottchen  had  reached  the  open  air  that 
they  found  the  helpless  girl  they  supported  was  without 
sensibility.  As  fits  of  fainting  had  been  common  of  late, 
her  mother  felt  no  great  alarm,  nor  was  it  long  before  all 
the  female  pilgrims  sought  the  pillows  they  so  much 
needed. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


**  Fy,  uncle  Beaufort !  I  have  heard  you  preach, 

That  malice  was  a  great  and  grievous  sin;" — King  Henry  PV. 

The  social  character  of  a  Benedictine  community  has 
been  mentioned  in  one  of  the  earlier  chapters.  That  of 
Einsiedlen,  tliougli  charged  with  the  worship  of  altars  es- 
pecially favored,  formed  no  exception  to  the  general  rule. 
If  anything,  the  number  of  distinguished  j^ilgrims  that 
frequented  its  shrine,  rendered  it  liable  to  more  than  usual 
demands  on  its  hospitality  ;  demands  that  were  met  by  a 
suitable  attention  to  the  rules  of  the  brotherhood.  Even 
Loretto  has  its  palace  for  the  entertainment  of  such 
princes  as  can  descend  from  their  thrones  to  kneel  in  the 
"  santacasa  ;  "  for  policy,  not  to  speak  of  a  more  generous 
motive,  requires  that  the  path  should  be  smoothed  to  those 
devotees  who  are  unaccustomed  to  encounter  difficulties. 
In  conformity  with  a  rule  of  their  order,  then,  though 
dwelling  in  the  secluded  and  wild  region  already  described, 
the  fraternity  of  our  Lady  of  the  Hermits,  had  their  Ab- 
bot's abode,  their  lodgings  for  the  stranger,  and  their 
stores  of  cheer,  as  well  as  their  cells  and  their  religious 
rites. 

It  Avas  about  three  hours  after  the  interview  related 
in  the  last  chapter — a  time  that  brings  us  near  the  turn 
of  the  night— that  we  shall  return  to  the  narrative. 
The  scene  is  a  banqueting-hall,  or,  to  speak  in  more  meas- 
ured phrase,  a  private  refectory,  in  which  the  princely 
Abbot  was  wont  to  entertain  those  in  whose  behalf  he  saw 
sufficient  reasons  to  exercise  more  than  ordinary  attention 
and  favor.  There  was  no  great  show  of  luxury  in  the 
ordinajy  decorations  of  the  place,  for  a  useless  display  of 


THE   HEinENMAUER.  315 

its  mcnns  formed  no  part  of  the  system  of  a  community 
that  cliiclly  existed  by  the  liberaUty  of  the  pious.  Still 
the  hall  was  as  well  arranged  as  comported  with  the  rude 
habits  Oi  the  age,  in  tiiat  secluded  region — habits  that  con- 
suited  the  substantial  portion  of  human  enjoynients  far 
more  than  those  elaborate  and  effeminate  inventions,  which 
use  has  since  rendered  nearly  indispensable  to  later  gener- 
ations. The  floor  was  of  tile,  not  very  nicely  polished  ; 
the  walls  were  wainscoted  in  dark  oak  ;  and  the  ceiling 
had  a  rude  attempt  to  represent  the  supper  given  at  the 
marriage  of  Cana,  and  the  miracle  of  the  wine.  Notwith- 
standing it  was  midsummer,  a  ciieerful  fire  blazed  in  a 
chimney  of  huge  dimensions  ;  the  size  of  the  apartment 
and  the  keen  air  of  the  mountains  rendering  such  an  aux- 
iliary ncjt  only  agreeable,  but  necessary.  The  board  was 
spacious  and  well  covered,  offering  a  generous  display  of 
those  healthful  and  warm  liquors,  which  have  so  long  given 
the  Rhine  additional  estimation  with  every  traveller  of 
taste. 

Around  the  table  were  placed  the  Abbot,  and  his  un- 
housed peer,  Bonifacius  ;  a  favorite  or  two  of  the  commu- 
nity of  Einsiedlen  ;  with  Emich,  the  Knight  of  Rhodes, 
the  Abbe,  Heinrich  Frey,  and  the  smith.  The  former 
were  in  their  usual  conventual  robes  ;  while  the  latter 
were  confounded,  so  far  as  externals  were  concerned,  in 
their  dresses  of  pilgrims.  Deitrich  owed  his  present  ad- 
vantage altogether  to  the  fortuitous  circumstance  of  being 
found  in  so  good  company,  divested  of  the  usual  distin- 
guishing marks  of  his  rank.  If  Bonifacius  was  at  all 
aware  of  his  character,  indifference  or  policy  prevented  its 
exposure. 

Had  (jue  been  suddenly  introduced  to  this  midnight 
scene,  lie  woidd  scarce  have  recognized  the  weary  pen- 
itent and  the  reproving  churchman,  in  the  jovial  clieer 
and  bo(m  companionshij)  of  tlie  hour.  The  appetite  was 
already  more  than  satisfied,  and  many  a  glass  had  been 
quaffed  in  honor  of  btjth  h(jsts  and  guests,  ere  the  precise 
moment  to  which  we  transfer  the  action  of  the  tale. 

The  jirincely  prelate  occupied  the  seat  of  honor,  as  be- 
came his  high  rank,  while  Bcjnifacius  was  seated  at  one 
elbow,  and  the  ('<nint  of  Ilartenburg  at  the  other.  The 
great  C(jnsideration  due  to  the  first,  as  well  as  his  personal 
character  and  mild  [nanners,  had  served  to  preserve  all 
outward  appearances  uf  amity  and  courteous  intercourse 


3i6  THE   HEIDRNMAUER, 

between  his  neighbors,  neither  of  whom  had  as  yet  suf- 
fered the  slightest  intimation  of  their  former  knowledge  of 
each  other  to  escape  him.  This  polite  duplicity,  which 
we  have  reason  to  think  is  of  very  ancient  origin,  and  in 
which  Albrecht  of  Viederbach  and  Monsieur  Latouche 
assisted  with  rare  felicity,  aided  in  curbing  the  feelings  of 
their  inferiors,  who,  being  less  trained  in  the  seemliness  of 
deception,  might  otherwise  have  given  vent  to  some  of 
their  bodily  pains  by  allusions  of  an  irritating  and  ques- 
tionable nature. 

"  Thou  findest  our  liquors  palatable  ?  "  courteously  ob- 
served the  Abbot,  as  we  sliall,  par  excellence,  now  distin- 
guish him  of  Einsiedlen.  "This  of  the  silver  cup,  cometh 
from  the  liberality  of  thy  late  Elector,  who  had  occasion 
to  send  votive  offerings,  in  behalf  of  the  illness  of  one  of 
his  family,  to  our  Lady  of  the  Hermits,  and  who  had  the 
grace  to  accompany  the  memorial  to  the  convent  treasury 
by  this  sign  of  private  regard  ;  and  that  thou  seemest  most 
to  relish,  is  a  neighborly  boon  from  our  Brother  of  Saint 
Gall,  than  whom  more  generous  churchman  does  not  wear 
a  cowl.  Thou  knowest,  son,  that  the  matter  of  good  wine 
hath  long  been  the  subject  of  especial  care  with  that 
thriving  brotherhood." 

*'  Thou  overratest  my  knowledge  of  history,  princely 
Abbot,"  returned  Emich,  setting  down  the  glass,  however, 
in  a  manner  to  show  that  his  familiarity  with  good  liquors 
might  safely  be  assumed.  "We  of  the  lower  countries 
waste  but  little  time  on  these  studies,  trusting  chiefly  to 
those  who  dwell  at  the  universities  for  the  truth  of  what 
we  hear.  If  he  of  Saint  Gall  dispenseth  much  of  this  goodly 
liquor,  certes  it  were  well  that  our  spiritual  guardians  sent 
us,  on  occasions,  to  make  our  pilgrimages  in  that  region, 
which  cannot  be  far  from  this,  imless  my  geography  is 
greatly  in  fault." 

"  Thou  couldcst  not  have  better  divined,  hadst  thou  been 
a  doctor  of  Wittenberg,  or  of  Rome  itself  !  Considering 
our  mountain  paths,  and  the  insufficiency  of  the  bridges 
and  other  conveniences,  it  may  require  two  suns  to  urge  a 
beast  from  our  convent  gate  to  that  of  our  brother  of  Saint 
Gall,  though,  on  emergencies,  we  have  succeeded,  by 
means  of  faithful  footmen,  in  getting  tidings  to  their  ears 
within  the  day  and  night.  Saint  Gall  is  a  wealthy  and 
well-bestowed  Abbcv,  of  very  ancient  existence,  and  of 
much  repute  as  the  fiavcn  of  letters,   during  the  darkest 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  317 

period,  learned  Bonifacius,  of  our  more  modern  times  ; 
though  the  late  increase  of  its  town,  and  the  growing  tur- 
bulence of  tlie  times,  have  not  permitted  it  to  escape,  with 
impunity,  from  the  dangers  that  now  beset  all  of  Rome." 

This  was  the  first  allusion  which  had  been  made  to  the 
events  that  had  so  singularly  brought  the  present  company 
together  ;  and,  but  for  the  address  and  self-command  of 
Bonifacius,  it  might  have  brought  on  a  discussion  that 
would  not  have  proved  agreeable. 

"  Saint  Gall  and  its  merits  are  unknown  to  none  who 
wear  the  frock  of  Saint  Benedict,"  he  said,  with  admirable 
composure.  ''Thou  hast  well  said  that  its  walls  were,  for 
many  ages,  the  sole  protectors  of  learning  in  our  Europe  ; 
for  without  the  diligence  and  fidelity  of  its  Abbots  and 
brotherhood,  much  that  is  now  preserved  and  prized  would 
have  been  irretrievably  lost  to  posterity  and  to  ourselves." 

"  I  doubt  not,  reverend  Benedictine,"  observed  Emich, 
speaking  courteously  across  the  Abbot  to  Bonifacius,  much 
as  a  well-bred  guest  at  boaixl  addresses  a  convive  to  whom 
he  is  otherwise  a  stranger,  ''  that  this  rare  taste  in  liquors, 
of  which  there  lias  just  been  question,  is  the  fruit  of  the 
excellent  knowledge  which  you  extol?" 

*'  That  is  a  p(^int  I  shall  not  hastily  decide,-"  returned 
Bonifacius,  smiling.  "  It  may  be  so,  for  we  have  accounts 
of  sore  discord  between  Saint  Gall  and  (jthers  even  of  the 
Church,  touching  the  uses  and  qualities  of  their  wines." 

"  That  have  we,  and  right  faithfully  recorded  !  "  rejoined 
the  Abbot.  "  There  was  the  war  between  the  Prince 
Bishop  of  Basle  and  our  brethren  of  Saint  Gall,  that  led  to 
sore  contentions  and  heavy  losses." 

"How!  did  the  desire  to  partake  urge  our  Rhenish 
prelate  to  push  adventure  so  far  as  to  come  this  distance  in 
quest  of  liqucjr  ?  " 

"Thou  art  in  error,  son  pilgrim,  concerning  the  nature 
(jf  Saint  Gall's  stcjres.  We  have  vineyards,  it  is  true, 
among  these  mountains,  as  witness  those  on  the  shores  of 
the  neighboring  lake  of  Zurich,  as  well  as  others  that 
might  be  named  ;  but  onr  country  wines  will  wai'm  the 
blood  of  peasant  (Hily.  lie  that  hath  tasted  better,  seldom 
fills  his  cup  with  liquor  that  comes  from  anv  region  this 
side  the  farther  border  of  Swabia — yourvinesof  the  Rliein- 
gnu  in  specialty  ;  whereas  the  territories  of  Saint  Gall  lie 
still  farther  from  those  favored  countries  than  we  our- 
selves." 


3i8  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

"You  have  need  to  explain,  princely  Abbot ;  for  that  the 
Baslois  should  come  in  our  direction,  in  quest  of  good 
liquor,  is  clear  enough,  whereas  the  war  you  have  named 
would  have  sent  him  farther  from  his  object." 

"  Thou  hast  not  come  hither,  son,  without  marking  the 
course  of  the  Rhine,  on  whose  banks  thou  hast  so  long 
journeyed.  This  great  stream,  though  so  turbulent  and 
dangerous  among  the  mountains,  is  of  much  use  in  procur- 
ing our  supplies.  By  means  of  the  lake  of  Constance,  and 
the  lower  river,  heavy  burthens  arrive  at  the  very  territory 
of  our  sister  Abbey  ;  and  the  dispute  to  which  there  has 
been  allusion,  came  of  the  fact  that  the  right  I'evcrend 
prelate  of  Basle  would  fain  have  demanded  toll  on  the 
purchases  of  the  Abbey.  Thou  mayest  remember,  brother," 
looking  toward  BcMiifacius,  "that  when  both  were  tired  of 
blows,  the  good  Bishop  sent  to  demand  '  Yvliat  the  Virgin 
had  done,  that  the  churchmen  above  should  slay  her 
people?'  and  that  he  received  for  a  merry  answer  the 
question  of,  '  What  has  Saint  Gall  done,  that  thou  shouldest 
stop  his  wines  ? '  " 

The  listeners  laughed,  in  low  simpers,  like  men  amused 
with  this  characteristic  narrative  ;  for  such  incidents  were 
yet  too  recent  to  excite  much  other  reflection,  even  among 
churchmen,  than  what  was  connected  with  the  vulgar  tem- 
poral interests  of  the  incident. 

"  By  the  Magi !  holy  and  princely  Abbot,  thy  tale  giveth 
additional  flavor  !  "  said  Emich,  who  greatly  enjoyed  the 
quarrel;  "  it  moreover  serveth  to  shut  (JUt  thoughts  that 
come  from  aching  bones  and  weary  feet." 

"  Thy  pilgrimage,  son,  will  bring  its  rewards  as  well  as 
its  pains.  Should  it  be  a  means  of  removing  thee,  for  a 
time,  from  the  heresies  of  Germany,  and  of  placing  tliee 
and  thine  in  more  friendly  communion  with  the  Church, 
the  toil  will  not  be  lost." 

"  As  such  do  I  esteem  the  duty,"  returned  Emich,  tossing 
off  his  glass,  after  steadily  regarding  the  liquor  a  moment 
by  the  fire-light.  "  Saint  Gall  had  the  right  of  the  matter ; 
and  he  who  would  not  take  up  arms  for  this,  did  not 
deserve  to  wear  them.  How,  now,  Herr  Frey  !  Thou  art 
silent  ? " 

"  Not  more  so,  I  trust,  nobly-born  Emich,  than  be- 
cometh  one  on  a  pilgrimage  ;  and  one  who  hath  need  to 
bethink  him  of  his  duties,  lest  his  town  should  have  cause 
to  reproach  him  with  negligence." 


THE   JlEIDEArMAUEK.  319 

"  God's  truth,  Master  Burgomaster!  If  any  here  liavc 
reason  to  bethink  them  of  Duerckheim,  it  is  the  city's 
sovereign  and  lord.  So  cheer  up,  and  let  us  lighten  the 
load  we  carry,  always  imder  the  favor  and  good  graces  of 
this  hospitable  and  well-endowed  brotherhood." 

''Thou  art  a  servitor  of  the  Cross  ?"  demanded  the  Ab- 
bot of  Albrecht  of  Viederbach,  beckoning  the  Knight  to 
come  nearer. 

"An  indifferent  one,  princely  and  pious  Rudiger,  and,  I 
might  say,  one  tiiat  hath  yielded  to  the  seductions  of  com- 
pany and  good  fellowship,  not  to  speak  of  the  force  of 
blood  ;  else  would  he   have   been    spared  this  expiation." 

"Nay,  I  name  not  thy  pursuit  with  the  intent  to  re- 
proach," interrupted  the  courteous  prelate.  "Such  lib- 
erty does  not  become  hospitality.  We  mnke  a  difference 
within  these  walls  between  the  confessional  and  the 
board." 

"The  distinction  is  just,  and  promises  perpetuity  and 
lasting  respect  to  our  faith,  spite  of  all  heresies.  The 
rock  on  which  this  Brother  Luther  and  his  followers  will 
split,  holy  Abbot — at  least,  it  so  seemeth  to  an  uninstruct- 
ed  capacity — is  the  desire  to  refine  beyond  men's  means  of 
endurance.  Religion,  like  chivalry,  is  good  in  its  way  ; 
but  neither  the  priest  nor  the  knight  can  bear  his  armor 
at  all  times  and  seasons.  Your  schismatic  hath  the  desire 
to  convert  the  layman  into  a  monk, whereas  the  beauty  of 
creation  is  its  order  ;  and  he  that  is  charged  with  the  cure 
of  souls,  is  sufficient  for  his  object,  without  laying  this 
constant  burthen  on  the  shoulders  of  him  that  hath  already 
more  (jf  temporal  cares  than  he  can  bear." 

"Were  others  more  of  thy  mind,  son,  we  should  have 
less  trouble,  and  better  discipline.  Our  altars  are  not  use- 
less, and  if  they  who  frequent  them,  could  be  content  to 
think  that  we  are  sufficient  for  their  safety,  the  world 
would  be  saved  much  disputation  and  haply  some  shed- 
ding of  blood.  But  with  these  safe  and  creditable  opinions. 
Sir  Knight  and  Pilgrim,"  continued  the  Abbot,  dro]ii")ing 
his  voice  to  a  more  confidential  key,  "  it  may  be  permitted 
me  to  express  surprise,  that  I  see  thee  one  of  a  penitence 
commanded  for  violence  done  a  c(jnvent !" 

Albrecht  of  Viederbach  shrugged  his  shoulders,  and 
glanced  meaningly  toward  his  cousin. 

"  What  will  you,  right  noble  and  reverend  Prelate  ! — We 
are  but   the   creatures  of  accident.     There  is  respect  due 


320  THE  IIEIDENMAUER. 

to  fellowship  and  hospitality,  to  say  naught  of  the  claims 
of  blood  and  kindred.  The  evil  turn  of  the  Rhodian 
warfare,  some  longings  to  look  again  at  our  German 
fields,  for  the  father-land  keeps  its  hold  of  us  more  par- 
ticularly in  adversity,  with  the  habits  of  an  unsettled  ex- 
istence, served  to  lead  me  to  the  castle  of  Hartenburg ; 
and  fairly  entered,  it  will  excite  no  wonder  that  the  guest 
was  ready  to  lend  his  sword,  in  a  short  foray,  to  the  host. 
These  sallies,  as  thou  well  knowest,  princely  Rudiger,  are 
not  so  rare  as  to  be  deemed  miracles." 

''What  thou  sayest  is  true,"  returned  the  Abbot,  always 
speaking  as  it  were  aside  to  the  Knight,  and  manifesting 
no  great  surprise  at  this  avowal  of  principles,  that  were 
common  enough  in  that  age,  and  which  have  descended  in 
a  different  form  to  our  own,  since  we  daily  see  men,  in  the 
gravest  affairs  of  a  nation,  putting  their  morality  at  the 
disposal  of  party,  rather  than  incur  the  odium  of  being 
wanting  in  this  species  of  social  faith.  "  What  thou  say- 
est is  very  true,  and  may  well  furnish  thy  plea  with  the 
Grand  Master.  Thou  mayest  on  many  accounts,  too,  find 
this  pilgrimage  wholesome." 

"  Doubt  it  not,  reverend  Abbot.  We  had  little  time 
during  the  siege,  to  pay  due  attention  to  the  rites  ;  and 
the  general  looseness  of  our  lives,  since  driven  from  the 
island,  has  left  long  arrears  to  settle  ;  a  fact  that  I  endeavor 
t(3  remember  now." 

"  And  thy  associate — he  of  ge-ntle  mien  ;  hath  he  not 
also  connection  with  the  Church?" 

Albrecht  turned  to  whisper  the  reply. 

"  'Tis  but  one  that  circulates  under  the  frock,  holy  Bene- 
dictine— a  youth  that  hath  been  the  dupe  of  Lord  Emich  ; 
for  to  speak  thee  fair,  my  cousin  wanteth  not  of  the  policy 
necessary  to  his  condition  and  to  the  habits  of  a  sage  gov- 
ernment." 

The  Abbot  smiled  in  a  way  to  show  a  good  intelligence 
between  him  and  his  companion.  After  this,  they  talked 
apart  earnestly  for  a  while,  beckoning  Monsieur  Latouche 
to  make  one  of  their  party,  after  sundry  glances  in  his 
direction.  In  the  meantime,  the  general  discourse  pro- 
ceeded among  the  other  guests. 

"I  was  sorrowed  to  hear,  reverend  Benedictine,"  pro- 
ceeded the  Count,  purposely  avoiding  the  eye  of  Bonifacius, 
by  addressing  himself  to  one  of  the  brotherhood  of  Einsied- 
len,  "that  thy  community  hath  refused   us  masses,  for  the 


THE  IIEIDEN'MAUER.  321 

soul  of  one  that  fell  in  that  unliappy  dispute  which  is  the 
cause  of  our  present  pleasure,  in  being  in  so  goodly  com- 
pany. I  loved  the  youth,  and  would  fain  deal  liberally  by 
those  that  remember  his  present  necessities." 

"  Hath  the  matter  been  fairly  put  to  those  having  the 
right  to  decide  ? "  demanded  the  monk,  showing  by  the  di- 
rection of  his  eye,  that  he  meant  his  superior. 

''They  tell  me  it  hath,  and  put  touchingly  ;  but  without 
success.  I  trust  there  has  been  no  hostile  interference  in 
this  affair,  which  concerneth  no  less  than  a  soul,  and  ought 
to  be  dealt  by  tenderly." 

"  I  know  of  but  one,  and  that  is  the  Father  of  Evil  him- 
self, that  hath  an  enmity  to  souls  ! "  answered  the  monk, 
with  very  honest  surprise — "As  for  us,  it  is  our  pleasure 
to  be  of  use  on  all  such  occasions  ;  and  that  especially 
when  the  request  is  preferred  by  friends  of  the  deceased, 
that  are  worthy  of  so  much  higher  favor." 

"  Dost  thou  call  those  who  overturn  altars,"  said  Boni- 
facius,  sternly,  and  with  great  firmness  of  voice, — "who 
visit  the  temple  with  the  armed  hand,  and  who  defy  the 
Church,  worthv  of  her  favors !  " 

"  Reverend  Abbot ! " 

"Nay,  let  him  give  his  humor  vent,"  said  Emich,  proud- 
ly— "  the  cold  air  and  a  roofless  head  are  apt  to  move  the 
temper.  I  would  fain  have  met  thee,  Bonifacius,  in 
amity,  as  should  have  been  the  case,  after  our  solemn 
treaty,  and  all  the  reparations  that  are  made  ;  but  the  de- 
sire to  rule,  it  would  seem,  does  not  abandon  thee,  even  in 
banishment ! " 

"Thou  art  deceived  in  imagining  that  I  shall  forget  my- 
self, or  my  ofhce,  rude  Emich  ; — the  question  put  was  to 
the  Benedictine,  and  not  to  thee." 

"Then  let  the  Benedictine  answer.  I  ask  thee,  Father, 
is  it  becoming  or  just,  that  the  soul  of  a  youth  of  good  re- 
pute, of  nKjral  life,  and  of  reasonable  earthly  hopes,  should 
be  refused  aid,  on  the  mere  grudge  of  ancient  hostility,  or 
haply  that  there  were  some  passages  at  his  dcatii,  tliat 
might  have  been  better  avoided  ?" 

"The  Churcii  must  judge  for  itself,  noble  Pilgrim,  and 
decide  on  those  rules  which  regulate  its  course  !  " 

"  By  the  sainted  eleven  thousand  ! — thou  forgettest,  that 

all   usages   have   been   respected,  and  that  the  masses  are 

not  asked   as  the   beggar  imploreth  alms,  but  that  fairly 

counted  gold  is  proffered  in  behalf  of  the  youth.   If  enougli 

21 


322  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

has  not  been  done  in  this  way,  I  swear  to  thee,  Bonifacius, 
since  it  would  seem  thy  influence  here  is  so  strong,  that  on 
my  return  there  shall  be  further  offerings  on  his  account. 
Berchtliold  was  very  dear  to  me,  and  I  would  not  have  it 
said  that  all  memory  of  the  boy  is  lost  beneath  the  ashes 
of  Limburg." 

Though  both  in  their  several  ways  were  irascible,  violent, 
and  unaccustomed  to  control,  neither  Emich  nor  Bonifacius 
was  wanting  in  that  species  of  self-command,  which  is  so 
necessary  to  men  intrusted  with  the  care  of  important  in- 
terests. They  had  early  learned  to  bring  feeling  more  or 
less  in  subjection  to  their  policy  ;  and  though  not  quite 
equal  to  a  cold  and  managed  display  of  indifference  on 
such  subjects  as  too  closely  crossed  their  views,  it  required 
a  certain  combination  of  excitement  to  induce  either,  un- 
necessarily, to  betray  his  true  emotions.  Their  personal 
intercourse  had,  in  consequence  of  this  affected  modera- 
tion, been  less  violent  and  wrangling  than  would  other- 
wise have  proved,  for  it  did  not  often  happen  that  both 
found  themselves  wrought  up  to  the  point  of  explosion, 
precisely  at  the  same  instant  ;  and  he  that  happened  to  re- 
main the  coolest,  stood  as  a  check  on  the  passions  of  him 
who  had  momentarily  forgotten  appearances.  But  for  this 
fact,  the  ill-timed  and  ill-worded  question  of  the  Count 
might  have  produced  an  immediate  rupture,  to  the  injury 
of  the  pilgrims'  interests,  and  to  the  great  scandal  of  the 
brotherhood  of  Einsiedlen  :  as  it  was,  however,  Bonifacius 
listened  with  outward  courtesy,  and  answered  more  like 
one  that  remembered  his  priestly  office  than  his  particular 
injuries. 

"  Had  it  been  my  good  fortune,  Herr  Pilgrim,"  he  said 
calmly,  ''to  have  remained  in  charge  of  pJtars  so  esteemed, 
as  to  be  sought  on  such  a  behalf,  thy  application  in  favor 
of  the  vouth  would  have  received  meet  attention  ;  but  thou 
now  addresscth  a  prelate,  that,  like  thee,  is  indebted  to  the 
hospitality  of  these  excellent  brothers,  for  a  roof  to  cover 
his  head." 

"  Nay,  I  know  not,"  added  the  Count,  a  little  confused 
by  this  sudden  humility,  **but  rather  than  desert  so  young 
a  soul  in  this  strait,  and  soul  of  a  servitor  whom  I  so  much 
loved,  that  I  would  not  even  now  endow  some  chapel — of 
a  size  and  decorations  suited  to  his  station  while  living." 

"  On  Limburg  hill,  Herr  Emich  ?" 

**  Nay,  excellent  Bonifacius,  thou  forgettest  our  loving 


THIL  HEIDENMAUER.  323 

treaty,  this  pilgrimage,  and  other  conditions  honorably  ful- 
filled. Altars  can  never  rise  again  on  Limburg  hill,  for 
that  were  to  lose  sight  of  our  oaths  and  promises,  which 
would  be  a  crying  sin  in  both  ;  but  altars  and  chapels  may 
exist  elsewhere.  Give  us  then  this  grace,  and  look  to  our 
gratitude  and  justice  for  the  reward." 

Bonifacius  smiled,  for  he  felt  his  power,  and  he  enjoyed 
it  like  a  man  conscious  of  having  so  lately  been  in  the 
hands  of  the  very  baron,  who  now  so  earnestly  beseeched 
his  favor.  It  may  not  be  easy  for  one  educated  in  these 
later  days,  to  understand  the  singular  contradiction,  which 
led  Emich  of  Hartenburg,  the  destroyer  of  Limburg,  thus 
to  entreat  a  monk  ;  but  he  who  would  properly  understand 
his  ciiaracter,  must  remember  the  durability  of  impressions 
made  in  youth,  the  dread  mystery  that  is  attached  to  the 
unknown  future,  and,  most  of  all,  the  flagrant  inconsisten- 
cies, that  are  always  the  fruits  of  a  struggle  between  prin- 
ciples and  interests, — between  the  force  of  reason  and  the 
desires  of  selfishness. 

"  Thou  accusest  me  unwarrantably,  when  thou  sayest 
that  our  oaths,  or  our  loving  treaty  is  forgotten,  pious 
Pilgrim,"  returned  the  Benedictine  ;  "both  are  respected 
and  well  remembered,  as  thou  wilt  see,  in  the  end.  But 
there  is  a  feature  in  this  request  of  thine,  that  hath  appar- 
ently escaped  unwittingly  one  of  thy  known  justice  and 
impartiality.  Thy  forester  is  well  known  for  having 
greatly  affected  the  heresy  that  is  ripe  in  Germany " 

"  Nay,  Bonifacius,  here  must  be  an  error," — interrupted 
the  Count  :  "thou  hast  his  very  mother  in  our  pilgrimage  ; 
and  dost  think  a  proselyte  of  Luther  would  undertake  so 
grievous  pain  to  satisfy  Rome  ?  " 

*' We  speak  of  the  child,  and  not  of  the  parent,  Ilerr 
Pilgrim.  Had  all  that  were  trained  in  better  principles 
observed  the  opinions  <jf  their  fathers,  our  age  Avould  liave 
been  spared  this  heresy.  Of  tlie  boy's  irreverence  there 
can  be  little  doubt,  since  mine  own  ears  have  been  my 
witnesses." 

"  How,  hast  thou  ever  shrived  tlie  youth,  reverend  Ab- 
bot?" demanded  h2mici]  in  surprise.  "I  did  not  think 
thee  of  so  great  condescension  to  one  of  liis  hopes,  nor — 
by  the  mass  !  did  I  think  the  youth  so  weak  as  to  t(juch 
on  dis]:)uted  points  at  the  confessi(jnal  !  " 

"  There  arc  other  acknowledgments  made,  Herr  Pilgrim, 
than  those  which   are   heard   in  the  Church,  or  luider  tlic 


324  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

cloak  of  her  mysteries.  There  was  formerly  a  question  be« 
tween  us,  noble  Count,  amicably  settled,  and  in  a  merry 
manner  that  need  not  now  be  named." 

"  Touching  certain  vineyards  !  "  rejoined  Emich,  laugh- 
ing. "  The  fact  is  not  so  distant  as  to  be  forgotten,  though 
neither  my  cousin  nor  this  good  Abbe  proved  as  stanch  in 
that  matter  as  had  been  expected  !  " 

"  Thy  forester  did  better  service.  Thou  mayest  also  re- 
member there  were  certain  discussions  then  had,  and  that 
the  bold  boy  ventured  on  a  comparison  of  the  tree  trimmed 
of  its  useless  branches,  and  the  tree  suffered  to  stand  in 
its  deformity." 

"  Wilt  thou  abandon  a  soul  to  jeopardy  for  speech  light 
as  this,  Hcrr  Bonifacius  ?  God's  justice  !  This  promiseth 
but  little  in  mine  own  behalf,  at  some  future  day.  Bercht- 
hold,  heated  and  warm  in  the  interest  of  his  lord,  threw 
out  hints  that  might  otherwise  have  been  spared  ;  more- 
over, the  greater  the  sinner,  Father,  the  greater  need  of 
masses  and  prayers." 

"This  will  not  I  gainsay — my  objection  goeth  no  farther 
than  to  urge  that  those  who  are  willing  to  live  by  the 
counsels  of  Luther,  should  be  also  willing  to  seek  salvation 
by  his  means." 

"  Friends  and  pilgrims,"  said  the  Abbot  of  Einsiedlen, 
approaching  the  table,  from  which  he  had  retired  a  little, 
to  converse  more  freely  with  the  Abbot  and  the  Knight 
of  Rhodes — "  the  hour  is  at  hand  which  has  been  set  to 
celebrate  an  early  mass  in  behalf  of  this  pilgrimage.  The 
bell  is  giving  the  first  summons,  and  it  is  meet  that  we 
retire  to  prepare  ourselves  for  the  duty." 

At  this  interruption  Bonifacius,  who  saw  a  storm  gather- 
ing, gladly  arose,  and  instantly  withdrew,  the  rest  dropped 
off,  according  to  their  several  conditions  ;  Emich  and  his 
cousin  retiring  with  the  leisure  of  men  more  accustomed  to 
make  others  wait,  than  of  hastening  their  movements  to 
the  injury  of  their  own  convenience. 

After  perusing  this  scene,  we  admonish  the  reader  to 
spare  his  remarks  until  the  subject  has  been  well  pondered 
in  his  mind.  In  portraying  what  passed  in  the  private  re- 
fectory of  the  convent  of  our  Lady  of  the  Hermits,  we 
wish  to  convey  no  censure  on  any  particular  persuasion,  or 
sect,  or  order  of  Christians,  but  simply  to  exhibit  the  hab- 
its and  opinions  of  the  age  in  which  the  individuals  of 
this  legend  existed.     Let   those  who  are  disposed  to  be 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  325 

hypercritical,  or  censorious  in  their  remarks,  coolly  look 
around  them,  and,  first  makinc^  the  necessary  allowances 
for  the  new  aspects  of  society,  put  the  question,  whether 
contradictions  as  apparent,  inconsistencies  nearly  as  ir- 
reconcilable withtrutli,  and  selfishness  almost  as  gross  and 
as  unjust,  are  not  now  manifest  equally  among  the  adher- 
ents of  Rome,  and  the  proselytes  of  Luther,  as  any  that 
have  been  here  represented.  We  may  claim  to  have  im- 
proved on  the  opinions  and  practices  of  our  predecessors, 
but  we  are  still  far  from  being  the  consistent  and  equi- 
table creatures  that,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  we  are  yet  destined 
to  become. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

**  Forbear  to  judge,  for  we  are  sinners  all." — King  Henry  VI, 

Among  the  expiations  prescribed  to  the  pilgrims  of 
Duerckheim  and  Hartenburg,  there  had  been  included  an 
especial  and  early  morning  service,  the  one  to  which  they 
were  now  summoned.  Time  had  been  allowed  the  weaker 
portion  of  the  party  to  rest,  w^hile  the  stronger  had  been 
employed  in  the  manner  described  in  the  preceding  chap- 
ter. Certain  self-inllicted  stripes  it  was  taken  for  granted 
had  been  duly  bestowed,  at  different  periods,  during  the 
long  journey  from  the  Palatinate. 

It  was  an  hour  after  tlie  separation  of  the  Abbey  guests 
that  the  procession  of  Benedictines  swept  out  of  tlie 
cloisters  into  the  body  of  the  church.  Though  far  from 
being  a  community  remarkable  for  the  austerity  of  its 
practices,  it  was  not  unusual  for  monks  of  all  orders,  to 
quit  their  pallets  on  extraordinary  occasions,  and  to  break 
the  stillness  of  night  with  the  music  and  service  of  tlie  altar. 
When  the  spirit  comes  thus  fresh  from  repose,  and  in  a  dis- 
position suited  to  the  object,  into  the  immediate  pres- 
ence of  the  Deity,  incense  and  praise  so  free  from  the 
dross  of  humanity,  must  come  nearer  to  that  high  purity 
which  adorns  the  worship  of  angels  than  any  other  that 
can  ascend  from  man,  since  it  is  at  such  a  moment  that  all 
least  feel  tlie  burtiien  of  their  cor]:)oreal  adjunct. 

Even  in  the  daily  i^arcjchial  duty,  the  good  Catholics 
still  observe  a  uniformity  and  rigidity  of  practice  that  arc 
unknown  even  in  this  land  of  Puritan  origin.    The  church* 


326  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

bell  is  heard  in  every  village,  with  the  first  dawn  of  light ; 
at  indicated  hours,  all  within  hearing-  of  its  sound  are  ad- 
monished to  recall  their  thoughts  from  earth,  by  address- 
ing a  prayer  to  God  ;  and  witli  the  close  of  day,  the  tlock 
is  once  again  summoned  to  the  fold,  at  the  service  of  ves- 
pers. These  are  beautiful  and  touching  memorials  of  our 
duty,  and  when  practised  in  sincerity,  cannot  fail  to  keep 
the  mind  in  better  subjection  to  the  great  authority  that 
directs  all  our  destinies.  In  countries  where  the  husband- 
men dwell  together  in  villages,  the  practice  is  easy,  and  we 
hold  its  loss  to  be  one  of  the  greatest  disadvantages  of  our 
own  diffuse  distribution  of  rural  population  ;  a  distribution 
which  is  also  the  reason  why  we  must  forever  be  wanting 
in  several  other  features  of  social  intercourse,  that  give  to 
life  more  or  less  of  its  poetical  charm.  Happily  there  are, 
on  the  other  hand,  accompanying  advantages  that  per- 
haps more  than  serve  as  offsets  to  this,  as  to  most  other 
similar  anomalies  in  our  usages. 

The  arrangements  of  a  Benedictine  chapel,  and  the  dec- 
orations of  its  altars,  together  with  the  manner  in  which 
the  brotherhood  occupy  their  stalls  in  the  choir,  have 
been  too  often  mentioned  in  these  pages,  to  require  repe- 
tition. Long  accustomed  to  these  exercises,  the  monks 
were  early  in  their  places,  though  they  for  whom  the  mass 
was  to  be  said  were  not  all  as  punctual. 

Ulrike  and  Lottchen,  with  the  rest  of  the  females,  en- 
tered the  church  in  a  body,  while  the  men,  as  is  usual  in 
matters  that  touch  the  liner  feelings,  were  the  last.  Emich 
and  the  Burgomaster,  h(3\vever,  finally  made  their  appear- 
ance, followed  by  their  companions,  the  whole  betraying 
by  their  drowsy  air,  that  they  had  been  endeavoring 
to  sleep  off  the  late  repast,  and  to  recover  from  their 
fatigue. 

During  the  mass,  the  companions  of  Lottchen  and  Ul- 
rike exhibited  exemplary  devotion,  and  a  close  attention 
to  the  service  ;  but  the  gaping  of  the  Count  and  his  circle, 
the  wandering  eyes,  and  finally  the  profound  repose  of 
several,  sufficiently  showed  that  the  ethereal  part  of  their 
natures  was  altogether  unequal  to  the  mastery  of  that 
which  was  material. 

There  was  a  procession  from  the  choir  to  the  shrine, 
and  pravers  were  said,  as  on  the  previous  day,  with  the 
eyes  of  all  riveted  on  the  unearthly  countenance  of  Maria. 
As  each  was  left  to  judge  for  himself  of  the  manner  in 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  327 

which  he  dischnrged  his  particular  duties,  there  was  a  very 
sensible  difference  in  the  time  occupied  by  the  several 
devotees,  in  the  performance  of  the  common  vows.  The  fe- 
males appeared  to  be  embodied  with  the  stone,  and  there 
were  entire  minutes  during  which  their  motionless  forms 
would  have  seemed  to  be  as  inanimate  as  the  image  on 
which  they  gazed  but  for  the  heaving  of  a  breast,  or  an 
occasional  tremor, — outward  and  visible  signs  of  the  work- 
ings of  the  spirit  within.  Meta  kneeled  between  her 
mother  and  Lottchen,  her  whole  soul  apparently  engrossed 
in  devotion.  As  she  studied  tlie  bright  eye  that  gleamed 
upon  her  from  the  depths  of  that  mysterious  chapel,  illu- 
minated as  it  was  by  gorgeous  and  bright  lamps,  her  fancy 
transformed  the  image  into  a  being  sainted  and  blessed  by 
the  choice  of  God  ;  and  her  own  gentle  spirit  clung  to  the 
delusion,  as  one  replete  with  a  hope  to  cheer  her  own  des- 
olation. She  thought  of  the  future,  and  of  the  grave  ;  of 
the  rewards  of  the  just,  and  of  Heaven  ;  of  that  endless 
eternity  and  its  fruition  in  which  she  confided, — and  the 
ties  of  earth  began  sensibly  to  lessen.  There  was  a  holy 
desire  to  be  at  rest.  But,  notwithstanding  the  spiritual 
nature  of  her  employment,  the  form  of  Berchthold,  gav  in 
the  green  garb  of  a  forester,  with  laughing  eye,  light 
step,  and  cheerful  voice,  mingled  in  all  the  pictures  of  her 
imagmation.  Now  he  appeared  a  saint,  robed  and 
bearded,  as  she  had  been  w^ont  to  see  those  holy  men  rep- 
resented in  works  of  art,  and  yet,  by  a  contradiction 
wrought  by  her  own  heart,  always  bright  and  youthful, 
and  now  she  thought  him  gifted  with  wings,  and  united 
to  the  beings  of  that  heavenly  chcjir,  which  had  so  many 
representatives  around  her  suspended  between  the  roof 
and  the  pavement  of  the  edifice.  Singular  as  it  mav  seem 
to  some  of  our  readers,  so  busy  and  so  alluring  was  the 
W(jrking  of  her  imagination  at  this  thrilling  moment,  that 
themourningand  affecti(jnate  girl  had  rarelv  spent  an  hour 
of  more  holy  enjoyment  than  this  which  she  passed  before 
the  shrine  of  our  Lady  of  the  Hermits. 

Very  different  were  the  sensations  of  Lottchen.  Her 
griefs  were  those  in  which  the  fancy  had  no  share.  She 
wept  for  the  child  to  which  she  had  given  birth  ;  for  the 
stay  of  her  age,  and  for  the  pride  of  her  life.  No  fancy 
could  betray  the  imagination  oi  a  mother,  nor  could  any 
W(jrkings  of  the  mind  convert  the  sad  reality  into  aught 
but  the  bitter  truth.      Still  Lottchen   found  consolation   in 


328  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

licr  piayers.  Religious  faith  was  active,  though  imagina- 
tion shimbercd  ;  for  nothing  can  be  more  different  than 
the  dchisions  of  the  one,  and  the  deep  sustained  convic- 
tions of  the  other  ;  and  she  was  able  to  find  a  solace  for 
her  sorrow,  by  hooking  with  calm,  Christian  hope  beyond 
the  interests  of  life. 

The  sentiments  and  feelings  of  Ulrike  differed  from 
those  of  her  friend,  only  in  the  degree,  and  in  the  peculi- 
arity of  those  circumstances  which  directed  her  maternal 
solicitude  to  a  still  living  object.  But  Ulrike,  kind,  true, 
and  warm  of  heart,  had  tenderly  regarded  the  lost  Bercht- 
hold.  Had  there  been  no  other  motive  than  the  fact  of 
his  being  the  offspring  of  Lottchcn,  she  could  not  have 
been  indifferent  to  him  ;  but,  accustomed,  as  she  had  been 
for  years,  to  look  fcn-ward  to  liis  union  with  Meta,  she  felt 
his  loss  little  less  than  she  would  have  mourned  over  that 
of  a  child  of  her  own. 

Not  so  with  Heinrich.  The  bold  and  spirited  support 
he  received  from  Berchthold  during  the  assault,  had  sensi- 
bly won  upon  his  esteem,  for  the  affinities  between  the 
brave  are  amongst  the  strongest ;  but  the  Burgomaster  had 
not  passed  a  life  in  the  indulgence  of  a  passion  so  engross- 
ing, and  so  incurable,  as  the  love  of  gain,  readily  to  cast 
aside  all  his  intentions  and  objects,  at  the  impulse  of  a  pure- 
ly generous  feeUng.  He  would  freely  have  given  of  his  be- 
loved stores  to  the  youth  ;  but  to  bestow^  Meta  was,  in  his 
eyes,  to  bestow  all,  and,  under  his  habits,  it  seemed  to  be 
giving  gold  without  an  equivalent,  to  give  his  daughter's 
hand  to  a  penniless  husband.  There  are  some  who  ac- 
cumulate for  the  advantages  that  are  incidental  to  w^ealth  ; 
others  hoard  under  the  goadings  of  an  abstract  and  nearly 
inexplicable  passion  ;  while  another  set  heap  together 
their  means,  as  boys  roll  up  snow,  with  a  delight  in  wit- 
nessing how  large  a  mass  may  be  collected  by  their  agency. 
Heinrich  was  of  the  latter  class,  subject,  however,  to  a  rel- 
ish for  the  general  results  of  wealth,  and  like  all  men  who 
deem  money  as  an  end  and  not  as  a  means,  he  was  in  the 
practice  of  considering  the  last  measure  of  his  policy, 
which  was  intended  to  double  the  stock  by  the  marriage  of 
his  daughter,  as  the  happiest  and  the  greatest  stroke  of  a 
fortunate  and  prosperous  life.  And  yet  Heinrich  Frey  had 
his  moments  of  strong  natural  feeling,  and  the  manner  in 
which  Meta  mourned  for  the  death  of  Berchthold  touched 
him,  to  a  degree  that  might  have  disposed  him  to  say  he 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  329 

regretted  the  fate  of  his  young  lieutenant  as  much  on  her 
account  as  on  his  own.  It  is  more  than  probable,  however, 
could  Bcrciithold  have  been  suddenly  restored  to  life,  that 
the  Burgomaster  would  have  returned  to  his  former  mode 
of  thinking,  and  would  have  thought  the  resuscitation  of 
tlie  young  forester  sufficient,  of  itself,  to  assuage  the  grief 
of  a  whole  family. 

Heinrich  and  the  Count  were  among  the  first  to  quit 
their  suppliant  attitudes  before  the  shrine.  They  had  each 
said  tlie  required  number  of  prayers,  and  brushing  their 
knees,  the  two  pilgrims  strolled  away,  deeper  into  the  body 
of  the  church,  like  men  well  satisfied  with  themselves. 
But,  while  so  ready  to  give  relief  to  his  owm  bones,  the 
Burgomaster  kept  a  vigilant  eye  on  Dietrich,  who,  being  a 
hired  penitent,  was  expected  to  give  Duerckheim  the  full 
worth  of  its  money,  in  the  way  of  mortifications  and  arcs. 

Most  of  the  lights  in  the  choir  had  been  extinguished, 
and  the  aisles  of  the  edifice  were  dimly  visible,  by  means 
of  a  few  scattered  candles,  that  burned  almost  without 
ceasing,  before  the  altars  of  different  subordinate  chapels. 
As  they  walked  down  the  great  aisle,  Emich  shnvly  laid  a 
hand  on  the  shoulder  of  his  companion,  seeming  to  invite 
his  close  attention,  by  the  grave  and  meaning  manner  of 
the  action. 

"  I  could  wish  that  our  poor  Berchthold,  after  air,  had 
the  virtue  of  masses  from  these  servitors  of  our  Lady 
of  the  Hermits  !  "  said  the  Count.  "  If  there  be  especial 
savor  in  any  of  this  description  of  prayers,  methinks  it 
must  be  among  men  who  watch  a  shrine  of  which  they  tcU 
all  these  miracles  !  " 

"Your  wish,  nobly-born-brother-pilgrim-and-frieno,  is 
but  the  expression  of  mine.  own.  To  own  the  truth,  I 
have  thought  of  little  else,  while  going  through  the  avcs^ 
but  to  devise  the  means  of  persuading  the  holy  Abbot,  at 
a  reasonable  rate,  to  change  his  mind,  and  honestly  to  let 
the  youth's  soul  benefit  by  his  intercessions." 

"  Thou  hast  not  well  bethought  thee  altogether,  friend 
Heinrich,  of  thine  own  errand  here  !  " 

"  Sapperment  !  What  would  you,  Herr  Emich,  from  a 
man  of  my  years  and  education  ?  One  gets  to  be  so  ready 
with  the  words  by  oft  repeating,  that  going  through  the 
beads  is  much  like  tapping  with  a  finger  while  the  eye 
looks  over  an  account.  But  to  speak  of  tiie  Ixjy — were  we 
to  bid  higher  for  these  masses,  it  might   raise   the  present 


33©  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

price,  and  we  be  uselessly  losers  ;  for,  as  I  understand  the 
question,  the  amount  given  in  no  manner  changes  the  true 
value  of  the  intercession  to  the  defunct." 

''Heinrich,"  returned  the  Count,  musingly,  "they  say 
that  Brother  Luther  denounces  these  post-mortem  prayers, 
as  vain  and  of  none  avail  !  " 

"  That  would  alter  the  case  greatly,  Lord  Count-and- 
brother-pilgrim.  One  could  wish  to  be  sure  in  an  affair  of 
this  delicacy,  for  if  the  Monk  of  Wittenberg  hath  reason 
of  his  side,  we  lose  our  gold  ;  and  if  he  hath  wrong, 
the  soul  of  Berchthold  may  be  none  the  better  for  our 
doubts  ! " 

"We  laymen  are  sorely  pressed  between  the  two  opin- 
ions, worthy  Burgomaster,  and  I  could  fain  wish  that 
these  reformers  would  bring  the  question  speedily  to  a 
conclusion.  By  the  mass  !  there  are  moments  when  I  am 
ready  to  throw  away  the  rosary,  and  to  take  Duke  Fried- 
rich  of  Saxony's  side  of  the  question,  as  being  the  most 
reasonable  and  manly.  But,  then  again,  should  he  prove 
wrong,  tiiou  know'st,  Heinrich,  we  lose  the  benefit  of 
chapels  built,  of  avcs  said,  of  gold  often  paid,  and  the 
high  protection  of  Rome  !  Thou  seest  the  strait  of  poor 
Berchthold,  and  this  only  for  some  little  freedom  of  dis- 
course !  " 

Pleinrich  sighed,  for  he  felt  the  force  of  the  dilemma, 
and  he  appeared  to  ponder  well  before  he  answered.  Edg- 
ing nearer  to  the  Count,  like  a  man  who  felt  he  was  about 
to  utter  dangerous  sentiments  in  a  delicate  situation,  he 
whispered  the  reply. 

"  Here,  Emich,"  he  said,  "  we  are  but  dust,  and  that  of 
no  very  excellent  quality.  The  potter's  ware  hath  its  util- 
ity, if  well  baked  and  otherwise  prepared  ;  but  of  what 
use  is  man  when  the  breath  hath  departed  ?  They  say  the 
soul  remains,  and  that  it  must  be  cared  for,  neither  of 
which  will  I  dispute  ;  but  is  it  reasonable  to  buy  out  a 
patent  of  salvation,  for  an  intangible  thing,  with  current 
coin  ?  Look  to  that  knave,  the  smith  ! — Your  pardon, 
nobly-born  Count — but  here  hath  our  town  engaged  the 
rogue  to  do  penance  in  its  behalf,  and  my  eyes  are  no 
sooner  off  him  than  his  lips  become  as  stationary  as  the 
wings  of  a  mill  in  a  calm.  Duty  to  Duerckheim  demands 
that  I  should  give  him  a  jog,  after  which,  with  your  gra- 
cious leave,  we  will  look  further  into  the  philosophy  of 
that  in  which  we  were  dealing." 


THE   HEIDENMA  UER. 


331 


So  saying,  the  zealous  Heinrich  hurried  down  the  aisle 
towards  his  religious  mercenary,  with  a  laudable  and  sen- 
sitive watchfulness  ov^er  the  interests  of  his  constituents. 
He  found  the  smith  perfectly  immovable,  and  it  was  only 
by  repeated  and  vigorous  shakes,  that  he  succeeded  in 
arousing  his  auxiliary  from  a  profound  slumber. 

In  the  meanwhile,  Emich  walked  on,  still  occupied  by 
his  reflections.  On  reaching  the  gate  of  the  choir,  he  was 
about  to  retrace  his  steps,  when  he  was  privately  beckoned, 
by  one  whose  dusky  form  appeared  at  a  side  door  of  the 
church,  to  draw  nearer.  On  approaching,  Emich  found 
that  his  old  rival,  Bonifacius,  awaited  his  coming. 

The  salutations  of  these  ancient  enemies  were  courteous, 
but  distant.  After  a  short  parley,  however,  they  withdrew 
in  company  ;  and  it  was  past  the  turn  of  the  day,  ere  the 
Count  of  Ilartenburg  reappeared  among  the  pilgrims. 
The  details  of  what  passed  in  this  secret  conference  were 
never  known  to  the  public,  though  subsequent  events  gave 
reason  to  believe  that  they  had  reference  to  the  final  set- 
tlement of  the  long-contested  existence  of  Limburg  in  the 
Jaegerthal.  It  was  known  generally  in  the  Abbey,  that 
the  Abbot  Rudiger  made  one  of  the  council,  and  that  its 
termination  was  friendly.  Those  who  were  disposed  to  be 
critical,  intimated  in  after  days,  that  in  this  dispute,  as  in 
most  others  in  which  the  weak  and  humble  lend  them- 
selves to  the  views  of  the  great  and  the  strong,  they  for 
whom  the  battle  had  been  fought,  and  whose  apparently 
implacable  enmities  had  sown  discord  among  their  follow- 
ers, suddenly  found  means  to  appease  their  resentments, 
and  to  still  the  tempest  they  had  raised,  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  suffer  most  of  its  consequences  to  fall  on  the  heads 
of  their  allies.  This  result,  which  appears  to  be  universal 
with  those  who  have  the  imprudence  to  connect  themselves 
indissolubly  with  friends  who  can  irretrievably  dispose  o^ 
their  destinies,  was  perhaps  to  be  looked  for,  since  the  man 
or  the  community  that  is  so  weak  as  to  confide  too  implic- 
itly in  the  faith  of  the  powerful,  whether  considered  indi 
vidually  or  as  nations,  may  at  once  consider  itself  a  tool  to 
favor  view^s  that  have  little  connection  witli  its  own  inter- 
ests. In  cases  of  tliis  nature,  men  are  wont  to  share  the 
fate  of  the  orange-skin,  which  is  thrown  away  after  being 
sucked  ;  and  communities  themselves  are  a|H  to  luidergo 
some  such  changes  as  those  which  mark  the  existence  of 
the  courser,  which  is  first    pampered    and    caressed,  then 


332 


THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


driven  upon  the  pole,  and  which  commonly  ends  its  career 
at  the  plow. 

During  the  time  Bonifacius  and  Emich  were  arranging 
their  secret  treaty,  in  the  best  manner  that  the  former 
could  hope  for,  in  the  actual  state  of  Germany,  and  to  the 
entire  satisfaction  of  tlie  latter,  the  ceremonies  of  the  expi- 
ation proceeded.  Aroused  from  his  sleep,  Dietrich  en- 
deavored to  compensate  for  lost  time  by  renewed  diligence, 
and  the  Burgomaster  himself,  apprehensive  that  the  negli- 
gence of  the  hireling  might  bring  a  calamity  on  the  town, 
joined  himself  to  the  party,  with  as  much  zeal  as  if  he  had 
as  yet  done  nothing  towards  effecting  the  object  of  their 
journey. 

The  sun  had  fallen  far  towards  the  west,  when  the  pil- 
grims finally  took  their  departure  for  the  Palatinate. 
Father  Arnolph  was  again  at  their  head,  and,  blessed  by 
the  Abbot  and  in  favor  with  the  Church,  the  whole  went 
their  way,  if  not  with  lightened  hearts,  at  least  with  bodies 
much  refreshed,  with  hopes  rekindled  and  with  packs  ma- 
terially diminished  in  size. 

Ulrike  and  Lottclien  paused  wnen  they  reached  the 
boundary  of  the  plain,  where  they  could  command  a  part- 
ing view  of  the  Abbey.  Here  they,  and  Meta,  and  indeed 
most  of  the  party,  prayed  long  and  fervently  ;  or  at  least 
so  seemed  to  pray.  When  they  arose  from  their  knees,  the 
Prior,  whose  whole  time  while  at  the  convent  had  been 
deeply  occupied  by  religious  exercises,  and  whose  spirit 
had  been  refreshed,  in  a  degree  proportioned  to  his  sin- 
cerity and  faith,  came  to  the  side  of  the  principal  group  of 
the  females,  his  eye  beaming  with  holy  hope,  and  his  face 
displaying  innate  peace  of  mind. 

"  Ye  are  now,  daughters,  about  to  take  leave,  forever,  of 
the  shrine  of  our  I.ady  of  the  Hermits,"  he  said,  "  If  ye 
have  seen  aught  to  lessen  the  high  expectation  with  which 
the  pious  are  apt  to  draw  near  this  sacred  altar,  ascribe  it 
to  that  frailty  which  is  inherent  in  the  nature  of  man  ;  and 
if  ye  have  reaped  consolation  and  encouragement  from 
your  offerings  and  prayers,  ye  may,  with  all  security,  im- 
pute it  to  the  goodness  of  God.  And  thou,  my  child,"  he 
added  with  paternal  tenderness,  addressing  Meta — "thou 
hast  been  sorely  tried  in  thy  young  life — but  God  is  with 
thee,  as  He  is  in  yon  blue  sky  — in  that  sun  of  molten  gold 
— in  yonder  icy  pile  that  props  the  lieavens,  and  in  all  His 
works,  that  are  so  glorious  in  our  eyes  !     Turn  with  me  to 


THE  HEIDENMAUER.  333 

yonder  mountain,  that  from   its   form   is  called   the  Mitre 
Regard  it  well — Dost  see  aught  in  particular  ?  " 

•'  'Tis  an  abrupt  and  dreary  pile  of  rock,  Father,"  an- 
swered Meta. 

"  Seest  thou  naught  else — on  its  highest  summit." 

Meta  looked  intently,  for  in  sooth  there  did  appear  on 
the  uppermost  pinnacle  of  the  mass,  an  object  so  small, 
and  so  like  a  line,  that,  at  first,  she  passed  a  hand  across 
her  eye  to  remove  a  Hoating  hair  from  before  her  sight. 

"Father!"  exclaimed  the  girl,  clasping  her  hands  fer- 
vently, "  I  behold  a  cross  !  " 

"That  rock  is  the  type  of  God's  durable  justice  ; — That 
cross  is  the  pledge  of  His  grace  and  love.  Go  thy  way, 
daughter,  and  have  hope." 

The  pilgrims  tinmed  and  descended  the  mountain  in 
musing  silence.  That  evening  they  crossed  the  lake,  and 
slept  within  the  ancient  walls  of  the  romantic  town  of  Rap- 
perschwyl.  On  the  following  day,  the  pilgrimage  being 
now  happily  accomplished,  they  proceeded  toward  their 
own  distant  habitations,  descending  the  Rhine  in  boats. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


*'  But  thou  art  clay — and  canst  but  comprehend 

That  which  was  clay,  and  sucli  thou  shalt  Ijehold." — Cain. 

The  return  of  the  pilgrims  was  a  happy  moment  to  all 
who  dwelt  in  Ducrckheim.  Many  prayers  had  been  offered 
in  their  behalf,  during  the  long  absence,  and  divers  vague 
reports  of  their  progress  and  success  had  been  eagerly 
swallowed  by  their  friends  and  townsmen.  When,  lu)w- 
ever,  the  Burgomaster  and  his  companions  were  actually 
seen  entering  their  gates,  the  good  citizens  ran  to  and  fro, 
in  troubled  delight,  and  the  greetings,  especially  among 
the  gentler  sex,  were  mingled  with  many  tears.  Emich 
and  his  f<jllowers  did  not  appear,  having  taken  a  private 
path  to  the  castle  of  Hartenburg. 

The  simple  and  still  Catholic  (though  wav(M-ing)  burgh- 
ers had  felt  many  doubts  concerning  tlie  fruits  of  tiieir  bold 
policy,  while  the  expiatory  penance  was  pending.  Their 
town  was  in  the  midst  (jf  a  regi(m  that  is  perhaj:)S  more 
pregnant  with  wild  legends,  even  at  this  hour,  than  any 


334  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

Other  of  equal  extent  in  Europe  ;  and  it  can  be  easily  con- 
ceived that,  under  such  circumstances,  the  imaginations  of 
a  people  who  had  been,  as  it  were,  nurtured  in  superstition, 
would  not  be  likely  to  slumber.  In  effect,  numberless 
startling  rumors  were  rife,  in  the  town,  the  valley,  and  on 
the  plain.  Some  spoke  of  fiery  crosses  gleaming  at  night 
above  the  walls  of  the  fallen  Abbey  ;  others  whispered  of 
midnight  chants,  and  spectre-like  processions,  that  had 
been  heard  or  seen  among  the  ruined  towers  ;  while  one 
peasant,  in  particular,  asseverated  that  he  had  held  dis- 
course with  the  spirit  of  Father  Johan.  These  tales  found 
credulous  auditors  or  not,  according  to  the  capacity  of  the 
listener  ;  and  to  these  may  be  added  another,  that  was  ac- 
companied by  such  circumstances  of  confirmation,  as  are 
apt  momentarily  to  affect  the  minds  of  those,  even,  who 
are  little  wont  to  lend  attention  to  any  incidents  of  miracu- 
lous nature. 

A  peasant,  in  crossing  the  chase  by  a  retired  path,  was 
said  to  have  encountered  Berchtliold,  clad  in  his  dress  of 
green,  wearing  the  hunting-horn  and  cap,  and  girded 
with  the  usual  coiiteau-de-chasse^  or,  in  fine,  much  as  he 
was  first  presented  to  the  reader  in  our  early  pages.  The 
youth  was  described  to  have  been  hot  on  the  chase  of  a 
roebuck,  and  flushed  with  exercise.  From  time  to  time, 
he  was  said  to  wind  his  horn.  The  hounds  were  near, 
obedient  as  usualto  his  call,  and  indeed  the  vision  was  de- 
scribed as  partaking  of  most  of  the  usual  accompaniments 
of  the  daily  exercise  of  the  forester. 

Had  the  tale  ended  here,  it  might  have  passed  off  among 
the  thousand  other  similar  wonderful  sights  that  w^ere  then 
related  in  that  wonder-loving  country,  and  been  forgotten. 
But  it  was  accompanied  with  positive  circumstances,  that 
addressed  themselves,  in  a  manner  not  to  be  disputed,  to 
the  senses.  The  two  favorite  hounds  of  the  forester  had 
been  missing  for  some  weeks,  and,  from  time  to  time,  cries 
resembling  theirs  were  unequivocally  heard,  ringing  among 
the  arches  of  the  forest,  and  filling  the  echoes  of  the  moun- 
tains. 

This  extraordinary  confirmation  of  the  tale  of  the  boor, 
occurred  the  week  preceding  the  return  of  the  pilgrims. 
The  latter  found  their  townsmen  under  a  strong  excite- 
ment from  this  cause,  for  that  very  day,  nearly  half  the 
population  of  Ducrckhcim  had  been  into  the  pass  of  the 
Haart  which  was  described  in  the  opening  chapter  of  this 


THE  HEIDENMAUER,  335 

work,  and  witli  their  own  cars  had  heard  the  deep  baying 
of  the  hounds.  It  was  only  after  the  first  feUcitations  of 
the  return  were  over,  and  during  the  night  which  followed, 
that  the  pilgrims  learned  this  unusual  circumstance.  It 
reached  Emich  himself,  however,  ere  his  foot  crossed  the 
threshold  of  his  castle. 

On  the  following  day,  Duerckheim  presented  a  picture 
of  pleased  but  troubled  excitement.  Its  population  was 
happy  in  the  return  of  their  chosen  and  best,  but  troubled 
with  the  marvellous  incident  of  the  dogs,  and  by  the  wild 
rumors  that  accompanied  it  ;  rumors  which  thickened 
every  hour  by  corroborating  details  from  different  sources. 
Early  that  very  morning  a  new  occurrence  helped  to  in- 
crease the  excitement. 

From  the  moment  that  the  Abbey  was  destroyed,  not  an 
individual  had  dared  to  enter  its  tottering  walls.  Two  peas- 
ants of  the  Jaegerthal,  incited  by  cupidity,  had  indeed 
secretly  made  the  attempt,  but  they  returned  with  the  re- 
port of  strange  sights,  and  of  fearful  groans  existing  with- 
in the  consecrated  pile.  The  rumor  of  this  failure,  together 
with  a  lingering  respect  for  altars  that  had  been  so  long 
reverenced,  effectually  secured  the  spot  against  all  similar 
expeditions.  The  alarm  spread  to  the  lieidenmauer,  for, 
by  a  confusion  of  incidents,  that  is  far  from  unusual  in 
popular  rumors,  an  account  of  Use,  concerning  the  passage 
of  the  armed  band  through  the  cedars,  on  the  night  of  the 
assault,  coupled  with  the  general  distrust  that  was  attached 
to  the  place,  had  been  so  perverted  and  embellished  as 
effectually  to  leave  the  ancient  camp  to  its  solitude.  Sonie 
said  that  even  the  spirits  of  the  Pagans  had  been  aroused 
by  the  sacrilege,  from  the  sleep  of  centuries,  and  others 
argued  tiiat,  as  the  hermit  was  known  to  have  perished  in 
the  conllagration,  it  was  a  spot  accursed.  The  secret  of  the 
true  name,  and  of  the  history  of  the  Anchorite,  was  now 
generally  knoum,  and  men  so  blended  the  late  events  with 
former  offences,  as  to  create  a  theory  to  satisfy  their  own 
longings  for  the  marvellous  ;  though,  as  is  usual  in  most  of 
these  cases  of  supernatural  agency,  it  might  not  have  stood 
the  test  of  a  severe  logical  and  philoso})hical  investigation. 

During  the  nigiit  wliich  succeeded  the  return  of  the  pil- 
grims, there  had  been  a  grave  consultation  among  the 
civic  authorities,  on  the  subject  of  all  these  extraordinary 
tales  and  spectach;s.  The  alarm  had  reaf:hed  an  incon- 
venient point,  and  the  best  manner  of  quieting  it  was  now 


336  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

gravely  debated.  There  was  not  a  burgher  present  at  the 
discussion,  who  felt  himself  free  from  the  general  uneasi- 
ness ;  but  men,  and  especially  men  in  authority,  ordina- 
rily choose  to  affect  a  confidence  they  are  frequently  far 
from  feeling.  In  this  spirit,  then,  was  the  matter  discussed 
and  decided.  We  shall  refer  to  the  succeeding  events  for 
the  explanation. 

Just  as  the  sun  began  to  shed  his  warmth  into  the  valley, 
the  people  of  Duerckheim,  with  few  exceptions,  collected 
without  that  gate  which  the  Count  of  Hartenburg  had  so 
unceremoniously  forced.  Here  they  were  marshalled  by 
citizens  appointed  to  that  duty,  in  the  usual  order  of  a  re- 
ligious procession.  In  front  went  the  pilgrims,  to  whom 
an  especial  virtue  was  attached,  in  consequence  of  their 
recent  journey  ;  then  came  the  parochial  clergy,  with  the 
ordinary  emblems  of  Catholic  worship  ;  the  burghers  suc- 
ceeded, and  last  of  all  followed  the  women  and  children, 
without  much  attention  to  order.  When  all  were  duly 
arranged,  the  crowd  proceeded,  accompanied  by  a  chant  of 
the  choristers,  and  taking  the  direction  of  Limburg. 

"  Tills  is  a  short  pilgrimage,  brother  Dietrich,"  said  the 
Burgomaster,  who  in  his  quality  of  a  Christian  of  peculiar  * 
savor  was  still  associated  with  the  smith,  "and  little  likely 
to  weary  the  limbs  ;  still  had  the  town  been  as  active  and 
true  as  we  w4io  have  visited  the  mountains,  this  little  af- 
fair of  a  few  barking  hounds,  and  some  midnight  moans 
in  the  Abbey  ruins,  wcnild  have  been  ready  settled  to  our 
hands.  But  a  town  without  its  head,  is  like  a  man  without 
his  reason." 

"  You  count  on  an  easy  deliverance  then,  honorable 
Heinrich,  from  this  outcry  of  devils  and  unbidden  guests ! 
For  mine  own  particular  exercises,  I  w^ill  declare  that, 
tliougli  sufficiently  foot-sore  with  what  hath  already  been 
done,  I  could  wish  the  journey  were  longer,  and  the  enemy 
more  human." 

*'  Go  to,  smith  ;  thou  art  not  to  believe  above  half  of 
what  thou  hast  iieard.  The  readiness  to  give  faith  to  idle 
rumors  forms  a  chief  distinction  between  the  vagrant  and 
the  householder — the  man  of  weakness,  and  the  man  of 
■wisdom.  Were  it  decent,  between  a  magistrate  and  an 
artisan,  I  would  hold  thee  some  hazard  of  coin,  now,  that 
this  affair  turns  out  very  different  from  what  thou  expect- 
cst ;  and  I  do  not  account  thee,  Dietrich,  an  evcry-day 
swallowcr  of  lies." 


THE  HEIDENMAUER,  337 

"  If  your  worship  would  but  hint  what  a  fair  dealing  man 
ougiit  in  truth  to  believe ?" 

"  Why,  look  you,  smith,  here  is  all  that  I  expect  from 
the  inquiry,  though  we  hunt  and  exercise  for  a  month.  It 
will  be  found  that  tliere  is  no  pack  of  hounds  at  all,  loose 
or  in  leash,  but  at  most  a  dog  or  two,  that  may  be  beset 
or  not,  as  the  case  shall  prove  ;  next,  thou  wilt  see  that  this 
tale  of  Father  Johan  chasing  young  Berchthold,  while  the 
boy  hunts  a  roebuck,  is  altogether  an  invention,  since  the 
monk  was  the  last  man  to  give  loose  to  such  a  scampering, 
noisy  device  ;  as  for  the  Forester,  my  life  on  it,  his  appear- 
ance too  will  end  in  footmarks,  or  perhaps  some  other 
modest  sign  that  he  desires  the  masses  refused  by  the  Ben- 
edictines ;  for  I  know  not  the  youtli  that  would  be  less  likely 
needlessly  to  disturb  a  neigliborhood,  with  his  own  particular 
concerns,  than  Berchthold  Mintcrmaycr,  living  or  dead." 

A  general  start,  and  a  common  murmur  among  his  com- 
panions, caused  lieinrich  to  terminate  his  explanations. 
The  head  of  tlie  procession  had  reached  the  gorge,  and,  as 
it  was  about  to  turn  into  the  valley,  the  trampling  of  many 
lioufs  became  audible.  Feelings  so  highly  wrought  were 
easily  excited  to  a  painful  degree,  and  the  connuon  expec- 
tation, for  the  moment,  seemed  to  be  some  supernatural 
exhibition.  A  whirlwind  of  dust  swept  round  the  point  of 
the  hill,  and  Count  Emich,  with  a  train  of  well-mounted 
followers,  a'ppeared  from  its  cloud.  It  was  so  common  to 
meet  religious  processions  of  this  nature,  that  the  Count 
wcjuld  not  have  manifested  surprise,  had  he  been  ignorant 
of  the  motive  whicli  induced  the  population  of  Duerck- 
heim  to  quit  its  walls  ;  but,  already  apprised  of  their  in- 
tentions, he  hastily  dismounted  and  approached  the  Burgo- 
master, cap  in  hand. 

"Thou  goest  to  exercise,  worshipful  Emich,"  he  said, 
''and  love  for  my  town  hath  quickened  our  steps,  that  no 
honor  or  attenti(m  shoidd  be  wanting  to  those  I  love, — 
hast  a  phice  among  thy  pilgrims  for  a  poor  baron  and  his 
friends?" 

The  offer  was  gladly  accepted,  courage  being  quickened 
by  every  ap[)earance  uf  succor.  Emich,  though  e([uipped 
as  a  cavalier,  was  tiiereforc  willingly  received  anujug  his 
fellow-travellers.  The  delay  caused  by  this  interruption 
ended,  the  prc^cession,  or  ralher  the  throng,  for  eagerness 
and  anxiety  and  curiosity  had  nearly  broken  all  order,  pro- 
ceeded towards  the  ascent  of  the  mountain. 
22 


33S  THE   HEIDENMAUER. 

The  ruins  of  Limburg,  then  recent  and  still  blackened 
with  smoke,  were  found  in  the  deep  silence  of  utter  de- 
sertion. To  judge  from  appearances,  not  a  footstep  had 
trodden  them,  since  the  moment  when  the  band  of  the  as- 
sailants had  last  poured  through  the  gates,  after  a  tumult- 
uous triumph  which  had  been  so  chilled  by  the  awful 
catastrophe  of  the  falling  roofs.  If  that  party  had  drawn 
near  the  Abbey  in  expectation  of  a  sudden  and  furious 
assault,  this  slowly  advanced  with  a  troubled  apprehension 
of  witnessing  some  fearful  manifestation  of  superhuman 
power.  Both  were  disappointed.  The  unresisted  success 
of  the  assailants  is  known,  and  the  procession  now  pro- 
ceeded with  the  same  impunity  ;  though  many  a  voice  fal- 
tered in  the  chant  as  they  entered  the  spoiled  and  desolate 
church.     Nothing,  however,  occurred  to  justify  their  alarm. 

Encouraged  by  this  pacific  tranquillity,  and  desirous  of 
giving  proofs  of  their  personal  superiority  to  vulgar  ter- 
rors, the  Count  and  Heinrich  commanded  the  throng  to 
remain  in  the  great  aisle  of  the  church,  while  they  pro- 
ceeded together  into  the  choir.  They  found  the  usual 
evidences  of  a  fierce  conflagration  at  every  step,  but 
nothing  to  create  surprise,  until  they  arrived  at  the  mould- 
ering altar. 

"  Himmel !"  exclaimed  the  Burgomaster,  hastily  pulling 
back  his  noble  friend  by  the  cloak, — "Your  foot  was 
about  to  do  disreverence  to  the  bones  of  a  Christian,  my 
Lord  Count ! — For  Christian  Father  Johan  was,  beyond 
all  question,  though  one  more  given  to  damnation  than  to 
charity." 

Emich  recoiled,  for  he  saw  in  truth,  that  with  heedless 
step,  he  had  been  near  crushing  these  revolting  remnants 
of  mortality. 

"  Here  died  a  wild  enthusiast !  "  he  said,  moving  the 
skeleton  with  the  point  of  his  sheathed  sword. 

"  And  here  he  is  still,  nobly-born  Graf  ! — This  settles 
the  question  of  the  monk  chasing  young  Berchthold 
through  the  forest,  and  among  the  cedars  of  the  Heiden- 
mauer,  and  it  would  be  well  to  show  these  remains  to  the 
people." 

The  hint  was  improved,  and  the  throng  was  sum- 
moned to  bear  witness,  that  the  bones  of  Johan  still  lay 
on  the  precise  spot,  in  which  he  had  died.  While  the 
curious  and  the  timid  were  whispering  their  opinions  of 
this  discovery,  the  two  leaders  descended  to  the  crypt. 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  339 

This  portion  of  the  edifice  had  suffered  least  by  the  fire. 
Protected  by  the  superior  pavement,  and  constructed  alto- 
gether of  stone,  it  liad  received  no  very  material  injury, 
but  that  which  had  been  inllicted  by  the  sledges  of  the  in- 
vaders. Fragments  of  the  tombs  lay  scattered  on  every 
side,  and  here  and  there  a  wreath  of  smoke  had  left  its 
mark  upon  the  wall ;  but  Emich  saw  with  regret,  that  he 
owed  the  demolition  of  the  altar,  and  of  the  other  memo- 
rials of  his  race,  entirely  to  his  own  precipitation. 

"  I  will  cause  the  bones  of  my  fathers  to  be  interred  else- 
where," he  said,  musingly  : — "this  is  no  sepulchre  for  an 
honored  stock  ! " 

''  Umph  ! — They  have  long  and  creditably  decayed 
where  they  lie,  Herr  Emich,  and  it  would  have  been  well 
had  they  been  left  beneath  the  cover  of  their  ancient  mar- 
bles ;  but  our  artisans  showed  unusual  agility  in  this  part 
of  tlieir  toil,  in  iionor,  no  doubt,  of  an  illustrious  house." 

''  None  of  my  race  shall  sleep  within  walls  accursed  by 
Benedictines!  Hark  I — what  movement  is  that  above, 
good  Heinrich  ? " 

"  The  townsmen  have  doubtless  fallen  upon  the  bones 
of  the  hermit,  and  of  young  Berchthold.  Shall  we  go  up, 
Lord  Count,  and  see  that  fitting  reverence  be  paid  their 
remains  ?  The  Forester  has  claims  upon  us  all,  and  as  for 
Odo  Von  Ritterstein,  his  crime  would  be  deemed  all  the 
lighter  in  these  days,  moreover  he  was  betrothed  to  Ulrike 
in  their  youth." 

"  Heinrich,  thy  wife  w%as  very  fair  ; — she  had  manv  suit- 
ors !  " 

"  I  cry  your  mercy,  noble  Count ;  I  never  heard  but  of 
poor  Odo,  and  myself.  The  former  was  put  out  of  the 
fjuestion  by  his  own  madness,  and  as  for  the  latter,  he  is 
such  as  Fleaven  was  pleased  to  make  him  ;  an  indifferent 
lover  and  husband  if  you  will,  but  a  man  of  some  credit 
and  substance  among  his  equals." 

The  Count  did  not  care  to  dispute  the  possession  of  these 
qualities  with  his  friend,  and  they  left  the  crypt,  with  a 
C(jmmon  desire  to  pay  proper  respect  to  the  remains  of 
poor  Berchthold.  Tcj  their  mutual  surprise  the  churcii 
was  found  deserted.  By  the  clamor  (;f  voices  without, 
hcnvever,  it  was  easy  to  perceive  that  some  extraordinary 
incident  liad  drawn  away  the  members  of  the  procession, 
in  a  bodv.  Curious  to  iiave  so  violent  an  interruption  of 
the   proceedings  explained,  the  two   chiefs,   fur   Heinrich 


340  THE  IIEIDENMAUER. 

was  still  entitled  to  be  so  styled,  hastened  down  the  great 
aisle,  picking  their  way  among  fallen  fragments,  towards 
the  great  door.  Near  the  latter,  they  were  again  shocked 
by  the  spectacle  of  the  charred  skeleton  of  Johan,  wiiich 
seemingly  had  been  dropped  under  the  impulse  of  some 
sudden  and  great  confusion. 

"  Himmel  !  "  muttered  the  Burgomaster,  while  he  hur- 
ried after  his  leader,  "  they  have  deserted  the  bones  of  the 
Benedictine  ! — can  it  be.  Lord  Emich,  that  some  fiery  mir- 
acle, after  all  our  unbelief,  hath  wrought  this  fear  ?  " 

Emich  made  no  reply,  but  issued  into  the  court  with  the 
air  of  an  offended  master.  The  first  glimpse,  however, 
that  he  caught  of  the  group,  which  now  thronged  the 
ruined  walls  of  the  minor  buildings,  whence  there  was  a 
view  of  the  surrounding  country,  and  particularly  of  parts 
of  the  adjacent  hill  of  the  Heidenmauer,  convinced  him 
that  the  present  was  no  moment  to  exhibit  displeasure. 
Climbing  up  a  piece  of  fallen  stone-work,  he  found  him- 
self on  a  fragment  of  wall,  surrounded  by  fifty  silent,  won- 
dering countenances,  among  whom  he  recognized  several 
of  his  own  most  trusty  followers. 

"  What  meaneth  this  disrespect  of  the  service,  and  so 
sudden  an  abandonment  of  the  remains  of  the  monk  ? " 
demanded  the  baron, — vainly  looking  about  him,  in  the 
hope  of  finding  some  quicker  explanation  by  means  of  his 
own  eyes. 

"  Hath  not  my  Lord  the  Count  seen  and  heard  ? "  mut- 
tered the  nearest  vassal. 

"What — knave?  I  have  seen  naught,  but  pallid  and 
frightened  fools,  nor  heard  more  than  beating  hearts  !  Wilt 
thou  explain  this,  varlet — for,  though  something  of  a  rogue, 
thou,  at  least,  art  no  coward  ?  " 

Emich  addressed  himself  to  Gottlob. 

**  It  may  not  be  so  easy  of  explanation  as  is  thought, 
Lord  Count,"  returned  the  cow-herd  gravely  ;  "  the  people 
have  come  hither  with  this  speed,  inasmuch  as  the  cries  of 
the  supernatural  dogs  have  been  heard,  and  some  say  the 
person  of  poor  Berchthold  hath  been  again  seen  !  " 

The  Count  smiled  contemptuously,  though  he  knew  the 
speaker  sufficiently  well  to  be  surprised  at  the  concern 
which  was  very  unequivocally  painted  in  his  face. 

"  Thou  wert  attached  to  my  Forester  ?  " 

"  Lord  Emich,  we  were  friends,  if  one  of  so  humble 
fetation  may  use  the  word,  when  speaking  of  a  youth  that 


THE  HEIDEMMAUER. 


341 


served  so  near  the  person  of  our  master.  Like  his,  my 
own  family  once  knew  better  days,  and  we  often  met  in  the 
chase,  which  I  was  wont  to  cross,  coininGf  or  o-oinof  to  the 
pastures.  I  loved  poor  Berchthold,  nobly-born  Count,  and 
still  love  his  memory." 

*'  I  believe  thou  hast  better  stuff  in  thee  than  some  idle 
and  silly  deeds  would  give  reason  to  believe.  I  have 
remembered  thy  good  will  on  various  occasions,  and  espe- 
cially thy  cleverness  in  making  the  signals  on  the  night 
these  walls  were  overturned,  and  thou  wilt  find  thyself 
named  to  the  employment  left  vacant  by  my  late  Forester's 
unhappy  end." 

Gottlob  endeavored  to  thank  his  master,  but  he  was  too 
much  troubled  by  real  grief  for  the  loss  of  his  friend,  to 
find  consolation  in  his  own  preferment. 

"  My  services  are  my  Lord  Count's,"  he  answered,  "but, 
though  ready  to  do  as  commanded,  I  could  well  wish  that 
Berchthold  were  here  to  do  that  for  mc,  which " 

"  Listen  ! — Hark  !  " — cried  a  hundred  voices. 

Emich  started,  and  bent  forward  in  fixed  attention.  The 
day  was  clear  and  cloudless,  and  the  air  of  the  hills  pure 
as  a  genial  breeze  and  a  bright  sun  could  bestow.  Favored 
by  such  circumstances,  and  amid  a  silence  that  was  breath- 
ing and  eloquent,  there  were  borne  across  the  valley  the 
well-known  cries  of  hounds  on  the  scent.  In  that  region 
and  age  none  dared  hunt,  and  indeed  none  possessed  the 
means  of  hunting,  but  the  feudal  lord.  Since  the  late 
events,  his  chases  had  been  unentered  with  this  view,  and 
tlie  death  of  Berchthold,  who  had  especial  privileges  in 
this  respect,  had  left  them  without  another  who  miglit  dare 
to  imitate  his  habits. 

"  This  is  at  least  bold  !  "  said  Emich,  when  the  cries  had 
passed  away  ;  "  hath  any  other  near  dogs  of  that  noble 
breed  ? " 

"  We  never  heard  of  other  !  " 

''None  would  dare  use  tliem,"  were  the  answers. 

"  I  know  those  throats — they  are,  of  a  certainty,  tlie 
favorite  hounds  of  my  poor  Forester  !  Have  not  the  di-)gs 
escaped  the  leash,  to  play  their  gambols  at  will  among  the 
deer  ? " 

"  In  that  case,  Lord  Count,  would  tried  hounds  remain 
abroad  for  weeks  ?  "  answered  Gottlob.  "It  is  now  a  sen- 
night since  these  cries  have  been  first  heard,  and  yet  no 
one  has  seen  the  dogs,  from  that  hour  to  this,  unless  as 


342  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

some  one  of  our  hinds  says  they  have  in  sooth  been  seen 
running  madly  on  the  scent." 

"  'Tis  said,  mein  Herr  Graf,"  put  in  another,  "  that 
Berchthold,  himself,  hath  been  viewed  in  their  company, 
his  garments  floating  in  the  wind,  while  he  flew  along, 
keeping  even  pace  with  the  dogs,  an'  he  had  been  swift 
of  foot  as  they  ! " 

"  With  Father  Johan  at  his  heels,  cowl  undone  and  robe 
streaming  like  a  pennon,  by  way  of  religious  amusement !  " 
added  the  Count,  laughing.  "  Dost  not  see,  dotard,  that 
the  crackling  bones  of  thy  monk  are  still  in  the  ruin  ?" 

The  hind  was  daunted  by  his  master's  manner,  but  noth- 
ing convinced.  There  then  succeeded  a  long  and  ex- 
pecting silence,  for  this  little  by-play  near  the  Count  had 
not  in  the  least  affected  the  solemn  attention  of  the  mass. 
At  length  the  throats  of  these  mysterious  dogs  again 
opened,  and  the  cries  indeed  appeared  like  those  of  hounds 
rushing  from  beneath  the  cover  of  woods  into  the  open  air. 
In  a  few  moments  they  were  repeated  and,  beyond  all 
dispute,  they  were  now  upon  the  open  heath  that  sur- 
rounded the  Teufelstein.  The  crisis  grew  alarming  for  the 
local  superstitions  of  such  a  place,  in  the  commencement 
of  the  sixteenth  century.  Even  Emich  wavered.  Though 
he  had  a  vague  perception  of  the  inconsistency  of  living 
dogs  being  hunted  by  a  dead  Forester,  still  there  were  so 
mahy  means  of  getting  over  this  immaterial  difficulty, 
when  the  greater  point  of  the  supernatural  chase  was  ad- 
mitted, that  he  found  little  relief  in  the  objection.  De- 
scending from  the  w^all,  he  was  in  the  act  of  beckoning  the 
priests  and  Heinrich  to  his  side,  when  a  general  shout 
arose  among  the  male  spectators,  while  the  women  ruslied 
in  a  body  around  Uirike,  who  was  kneeling,  witii  I>ottchen 
and  Meta,  before  the  great  crucifix  of  the  ancient  court  of 
the  convent.  In  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  Emich  re- 
occupied  his  place  on  the  wall,  which  shook  with  the  im- 
petus of  his  heavy  rush. 

"  What  meaneth  this  disrespectful  tumult  ? "  angrily 
demanded  the  baron. 

"The  hounds!  — mein  Herr  Graf! — the  hounds!"  an- 
swered fifty  breathless  peasants. 

"  Explain  this  outcry,  Gottlob." 

"My  Lord  Count,  we  have  seen  the  dogs  leaping  past 
yonder  margin  of  the  hill — here — just  in  a  line  with  the 
spot  where  the  Tuefelstein  lies.     I  know  the  dear  animals 


THE  HEIDENMAUER. 


343 


well,  Hcrr  Emicli,  and  believe  me,  they  arc  truly  the  old 
favorites  of  Berchthold !  " 

"  And  Berchthold  !  "  continued  one  or  two  of  the  more 
decided  lovers  of  the  marvellous — "  we  saw  the  late  For- 
ester, jrreat  Emich,  bounding  after  the  dogs,  an'  he  had 
wings ! " 

The  matter  grew  serious,  and  the  Count  slowly  de- 
scended to  the  court,  determined  to  bring  the  affair  to 
some  speedy  explanation. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


*'  By  the  Apostle  Paul,  shadows  to-niglit 

ilave  struck  more  terror  to  the  soul  of  Richard, 

Than  can  tlie  substance  of  ten  thousand  soldiers." — Richard  III. 

The  consultation  that  now  took  place  was  between  the 
principal  laymen.  The  connection  which  the  Church  had 
so  long  maintained  wnth  supernatural  agencies  determined 
Emich,  who  was  jealous  of  its  again  obtaining  its  lost  as- 
cendency in  that  country,  to  excliide  the  ofliciating  priests 
altogether  from  the  decision  he  was  about  to  take.  Were  we 
to  say  that  the  Coinit  of  Hartenburg  gave  full  faith  to  the 
rumors  concerning  the  spirit  of  his  late  Forester,  having 
been  seen  engaged  in  the  chase,  as  when  in  the  llesh,  we 
sliould  probably  not  do  entire  credit  to  his  intelligence  and 
habits  of  thinking  ;  but  were  we  to  say  that  he  was  alto- 
gether free  from  superstition  and  alarm  on  this  diflicult 
point,  we  should  attribute  to  him  a  degree  of  philoso])hy 
and  a  mental  independence  wliich  in  that  age  was  the 
property  only  of  the  learned  and  retlecting,  and  not  always 
even  of  them.  Astrology,  in  particidar,  had  taken  strong 
hold  of  the  imaginations  of  those  who  even  pretended  to 
general  science  ;  and  when  the  mind  once  admits  of  the- 
ories of  a  character  so  little  in  accordance  with  homely 
reason,  it  opens  the  avenues  to  a  multitude  of  collateral 
weaknesses  of  the  same  natin-e,  which  seem  to  follow  as 
the  necessarv  corollaries  of  the  main  proposition. 

'{'he  necessitv  of  a  ]:)rompt  solution  (jf  the  question  was 
admitted  by  all  of  those  whom  the  Count  consulted. 
Many  had  begun  to  whisi)er  that  the  extraordinary  visita- 
tion was  a  consetiuence  of  the   sacrilege,  and   that  it   was 


344  "^^^  HEIDENMAUER. 

hopeless  to  expect  peace,  or  exemption  from  supernatural 
plagues,  until  the  Benedictines  were  restored  to  their  Ab- 
bey and  their  former  rights.  Though  Emich  felt  con- 
vinced that  this  idea  came  originally  from  the  monks, 
through  some  of  their  secret  and  paid  agents,  he  saw  no 
manner  of  defeating  it  so  effectually  as  that  of  demon- 
strating the  falsity  of  the  rumor.  In  our  time,  and  in  this 
land,  a  weapon  that  was  forged  by  a  miracle  would  be  apt 
to  become  useless  of  itself  ;  but  in  the  other  hemisphere 
there  still  exist  entire  countries  that  are  yet  partially  gov- 
erned by  agents  of  tliis  description.  At  the  period  of  the 
tale,  the  public  mind  was  so  uninstructed  and  dependent 
that  the  very  men  who  were  most  interested  in  defeating  the 
popular  delirium  of  the  hour,  had  great  difficulty  in  over- 
coming their  own  doubts.  It  has  been  seen  that  Emich, 
though  much  disposed  to  throw  off  the  dominion  of  the 
Church,  so  far  clung  to  his  ancient  prejudices  as  secretly 
to  distrust  the  very  power  he  was  about  to  defy,  and  to  en- 
tertain grave  scruples  not  only  of  the  policy,  but  of  the 
lawfulness  of  the  step  his  ambition  had  urged  him  to  adopt. 
In  this  manner  does  man  become  the  instrument  of  the 
various  passions  and  motives  that  beset  him,  now  yielding, 
or  now  struggling  to  resist,  as  a  stronger  inducement  is 
presented  to  his  mind  ;  ahvays  professing  to  be  governed 
by  reason  and  constrained  by  principles,  while  in  truth  he 
rarely  consents  to  consult  the  one,  or  to  respect  the  other, 
until  both  are  offered  through  the  direct  medium  of  some 
engrossing  interest  that  requires  an  immediate  and  active 
attention.  Then  indeed  his  faculties  become  suddenly  en- 
lightened, and  he  eagerly  presses  into  his  service  every  ar- 
gument that  offers,  the  plausible  as  well  as  the  sound  ; 
and  thus  it  happens  that  we  frequently  see  whole  commu- 
nities making  a  moral  pirouette  in  a  breath,  adopting  this 
year  a  set  of  principles  that  are  quite  in  opposition  to  all 
they  had  ever  before  professed.  Fortunately,  all  that  is 
thus  gained  on  sound  principles  is  apt  to  continue,  since 
whatever  may  be  the  waywardness  of  those  who  profess 
them,  principles  themselves  are  immutable,  and  when 
once  fairly  admitted,  are  not  easily  dispossessed  by  the  bas- 
tard doctrines  of  expediency  and  error.  These  changes 
are  gradual  as  respect  those  avant-couriers  of  thought, 
who  prepare  the  way  for  the  advance  of  nations,  but  who, 
in  general,  so  far  precede  their  contemporaries,  as  to  be  ut- 
terly out  of  view  at  the  effectual  moment  of  the  reformat 


THE   HErDEN-MAUER.  345 

tion,  or  revolution,  or  bywliatevcr  name  these  sudden  sum- 
mersets are  styled  ;  but  as  respects  the  mass,  they  often 
occur  by  a  coup-de-main  ;  an  entire  people  awakening,  as 
it  were,  by  magic,  to  the  virtues  of  a  new  set  of  maxims, 
much  as  the  eye  turns  from  the  view  of  one  scenic  repre- 
sentation to  that  of  its  successor. 

Our  object  in  tliis  tale  is  to  represent  society,  under  its  or- 
dinary faces,  in  the  act  of  passing  from  the  intluence  of  one 
set  of  governing  princi]:)lcs  to  that  of  another.  Had  our  ef- 
forts been  con  lined  to  the  workings  of  a  single  and  a  master 
mind,  the  picture,  however  true  as  regards  the  individual, 
would  have  been  false  in  reference  to  a  community;  since 
such  a  studv  would  have  been  no  more  than  foUowins:  out 
the  deductions  of  philosophy  and  reason — something  the 
worse,  perhaps,  for  its  connccticjn  with  humanitv  ;  where- 
as, he  that  would  represent  the  world,  or  any  material  por- 
tion of  the  world,  must  draw  the  passions  and  the  more 
vidgar  interests  in  the  boldest  colors,  and  be  content  with 
portraying  the  intellectual  part  in  a  very  subdued  back- 
ground. We  know  not  that  any  will  be  disposed  to  make 
the  rcllection  tliat  our  labors  are  intended  to  suggest,  and 
without  which  they  w'ill  scarcely  be  useful ;  but,  while  we 
admit  the  imperfection  of  what  has  been  here  done,  we  feel 
satisfied  that  he  who  does  consider  it  coolly  and  in  candor, 
will  be  disposed  to  allow  that  our  picture  is  sufficiently 
true  for  its  (object. 

We  have  written  in  vain,  should  it  now  be  necessary  to 
dwell  on  the  nature  of  the  misgivings  that  harassed  the 
minds  of  the  Count  and  Ileinrich,  as  they  descended  the 
hill  of  Limburg  at  the  head  of  tlie  new  procession. 
Policy,  and  the  determination  to  secure  advantages  that 
had  been  so  dearly  obtained,  urged  them  on;  while 
doubt  and  all  the  progeny  of  ancient  prejudices  contrib- 
uted to  their  distrust. 

The  people  advanced  much  in  tlie  same  order  as  that  ii\ 
which  they  had  ascended  tcj  the  ruins  cjf  the  Abbey,  The 
pilgrims  were  in  front,  followed  closely  by  the  parochial 
priests  and  their  choirs;  while  the  rest  succeeded  in  an 
eager,  treml)ling,  curious,  and  devout  crowd.  Religious 
change  existed,  as  yet,  ratlier  in  doctrine,  and  among  the 
few,  than  in  the  practices  of  the  many;  and  all  the  rites, 
it  will  be  remembered,  were  those  usually  observed  by  the 
Church  of  Rome  on  an  occasion  of  exorcism,  or  of  an 
especial  supplication  to  be  released  from  a  niysteriuus  dis' 


346  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

play  of  Heaven's  displeasure.  The  Count  and  Heinrich, 
as  became  their  stations,  walked  boldly  in  advance ;  for, 
whatever  might  have  been  the  extent  and  nature  of  their 
distrust,  it  was  wisely  and  successfully  concealed  from  all 
but  themselves — even  the  worthy  Burgomaster  entertained 
a  respectful  opinion  of  the  noble's  firmness,  and  the  latter 
much  wondering  at  a  man  of  Heinrich's  education  and 
habits  of  life  being  able  to  show  a  resolution  that  he 
thought  more  properly  belonged  to  philosophy.  They 
passed  up  towards  the  plain  of  the  Heidenmauer,  by  the 
hollow  way  that  has  already  been  twice  mentioned  in  these 
pages — once  in  the  Introduction,  and  again  as  the  path  by 
which  Ulrike  descended  on  her  way  to  the  Abbey,  on  the 
night  of  its  destruction.  Until  near  the  summit,  nothing 
occurred  to  create  new  uneasiness  ;  and  as  the  choristers 
increased  the  depth  of  their  chant,  the  leaders  began  to 
feel  a  vague  hope  of  escaping  from  farther  interruption. 
As  the  moments  passed,  the  Count  breathed  freer,  and  he 
already  fancied  that  he  had  proved  the  Heidenmauer  to  be 
a  spot  as 'harmless  as  any  other  in  the  Palatinate. 

"You  have  often  pricked  courser  over  this  wild  com- 
mon of  the  Devil,  noble  and  fearless  Count,"  said  Hein- 
rich, when  they  drew  near  the  margin  of  the  superior 
plain.  '*  One  so  accustomed  to  its  view  is  not  easily  troub- 
led by  the  cries  and  vagaries  of  a  leash  of  uneasy  dogs, 
though  they  might  be  kennelled  beneath  the  shades  of  the 
Teufelstein  ! " 

"Thou  mayest  well  say  often,  good  Heinrich.  When 
but  an  urchin,  my  excellent  father  was  wont  to  train  his 
chargers  on  this  height,  and  it  was  often  my  pleasure  to  be 
of  the  party.  Then  our  hunts  frequently  drove  the  deer 
from  the  cover  of  the  chases  to  this  open  ground " 

The  Count  paused,  for  a  swift,  pattering  rush,  like  that 
of  the  feet  of  hounds  beating  the  ground,  was  audible, 
just  above  their  heads,  though  the  ^Ci^^  of  the  mountain 
still  kept  the  face  of  the  level  ground  from  being  seen. 
Spite  of  their  resolution,  the  two  leaders  came  to  a  dead 
halt — a  delay  which  those  in  the  rear  were  compelled  to 
imitate. 

"The  common  hath  its  tenants,  Herr  Frey,"  said  Emich, 
gravely,  but  in  a  tone  of  a  man  resolute  to  struggle  for  his 
rights  ;  "  it  will  soon  be  seen  if  they  are  disposed  to  admit 
the  sovereignty  of  their  feudal  lord." 

Without  waiting  for  an  answer,  the  Count  spite  of  him* 


THE   HEIDENMAUER.  347 

self  muttered  an  avc,  and  mounted  with  sturdy  limbs  to 
the  summit.  The  first  glance  was  rapid,  uneasy  and  dis- 
trustful ;  but  nothing  rewarded  the  look.  The  naked  rock 
of  the  Teufelstein  lay  in  the  ancient  bed — where  it  had 
probably  been  left,  by  some  revolution  of  the  earth's  crust, 
tiiree  thousand  years  before — gray,  solitary,  and  weather- 
worn as  at  this  hour  ;  the  grassy  common  had  not  a  hoof 
or  foot  over  the  whole  of  its  surface  ;  and  the  cedars  of 
the  deserted  camp  sighed  in  the  breeze,  as  usual,  dark, 
melancholy,  and  suited  to  the  traditions  which  had  given 
them  interest. 

"  Here  is  nothing!"  said  the  Count,  drawing  a  heavy 
breath,  wdiich  he  would  fain  ascribe  to  the  difficult}'  of  the 
ascent. 

*'  Herr  von  Hartenburg,  God  is  here,  as  he  is  among 
the  hills  we  have  lately  quitted — on  that  fair  and  wide 
plain  below— and  in  thy  hold " 

"Prithee,  good  Ulrike,  we  will  of  this  another  time. 
We  touch  now  on  the  destruction  of  a  silly  legend,  and 
of  some  recent  alarms." 

At  a  wave  of  his  hand  the  procession  proceeded,  taking 
the  direction  of  the  ancient  gateway  of  the  camp,  the 
choir  renewing  its  chant,  and  the  same  leaders  always  in 
advance. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  say  that  the  Hcidenmauer  was  ap- 
proached on  this  solemn  occasion  with  beating  hearts.  No 
man  of  reflection  and  proper  feeling  can  ever  visit  a  spot 
like  tills  without  fancying  a  picture  tliat  is  fraught  with 
pleasing  melancholy.  The  certainty  that  he  has  before 
his  eyes  the  remains  of  a  work,  raised  by  the  hands  of  be- 
ings who  existed  so  many  centuries  before  him  in  that 
great  chain  of  events  which  unites  the  past  with  the  pres- 
ent, and  that  his  feet  tread  earth  that  has  been  trodden 
equally  by  the  Roman  and  the  Hun,  is  sufficient  of  itself 
to  raise  a  train  of  thought  allied  to  the  wc^nderful  and 
grand.  But  to  these  certain  and  natural  sensations  was 
now  added  a  dread  of  omnipotence  and  tlie  apprehension 
of  instantly  witnessing  some  supernatural  effect. 

Not  a  word  was   uttered,   until   Emich   and   the   Burgo- 
master turned  to  pass  the  pile  of  stones  which  mark  the 
position    of    the   ancient  wall,  by   means  of  tlie  gateway 
already  named,  when  the  former,  encouraged  by  the  trau 
quill ity,  again  spoke. 

"  The  ear  is  often  a  treacherous  companion,  friend  Bur- 


348  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

gomaster,"  he  said,  ''and  like  the  tongue,  unless  duly 
watched,  may  lead  to  misunderstandings.  No  doubt  we 
both  thought,  at  the  moment,  that  we  heard  the  feet  of 
hounds  beating  the  earth,  as  on  a  hunt  ;  thou  now  seest, 
by  means  of  one  sense,  that  the  other  hath  served  us  false. 
But  we  approach  the  end  of  our  little  pilgrimage,  and  w^e 
will  halt,  while  I  speak  the  people  in  explanation  of  our 
opinions  and  intentions." 

Heinrich  gave  the  signal,  and  the  choir  ceased  its  chant, 
while  the  crowd  drew  near  to  listen.  The  Count  both 
saw  and  felt  that  he  touched  the  real  crisis,  in  the  further- 
ance of  his  own  views,  as  opposed  to  those  of  the  brother- 
hood, and  he  determined,  by  a  severe  effort,  not  only  to 
overcome  his  enemies,  but  himself.    In  this  mood,  he  spoke. 

"Ye  are  here,  my  honest  friends  and  vassals,"  he  com* 
menced,  "  both  as  the  faithful  who  respect  the  usefulness 
of  the  altar  when  rightly  served,  and  as  men  who  are  dis- 
posed to  see  and  judge  for  themselves.  This  camp,  as  ye 
witness  by  its  remains,  was  once  occupied  by  armed  bands 
of  warriors  who,  in  their  day,  fought  and  fortified,  suffered 
and  were  happy,  bled  and  died,  conquered  or  were  van- 
quished, nuich  as  we  see  those  who  carry  arms  in  our  own 
time,  perform  these  several  acts,  or  submit  to  these  several 
misfortunes.  The  report  that  their  spirits  frequent  this 
spot,  is  as  little  likely  to  be  true,  as  that  the  spirits  of  all 
who  have  fallen  with  arms  in  their  hands  remain  near  the 
earth  that  hath  swallowed  their  blood  ;  a  belief  that  would 
leave  no  place  in  our  fair  Palatinate  without  its  ghostly 
tenant.  As  for  this  late  alarm,  concerning  my  forester, 
poor  Berchthold  Hintermayer,  it  is  the  less  probable  from 
the  character  of  the  youth,  who  well  knew  when  living 
the  disrelish  I  have  for  all  such  tales,  and  my  particular 
desire  to  banish  them  altogether  from  the  Jaegerthal,  as 
well  as  from  his  known  modesty  and  dutiful  obedience. 
You  see  plainly  that  here  are  no  dogs " 

Emich  met  with  a  startling  contradiction.  Just  as  his 
tongue,  which  was  getting  fluent  with  the  impunity  that 
had  so  far  attended  his  declarations,  uttered  the  latter  word, 
the  long  drawn  cries  of  hounds  were  heard.  Fifty  strong 
German  exclamations  escaped  the  crowd,  which  waved 
like  a  troubled  sea.  The  sounds  came  from  among  the 
trees  in  the  very  centre  of  the  dreaded  Heidenmauer,  and 
seemed  only  the  more  unearthly  from  rising  beneath  that 
gloomy  canopy  of  cedars. 


Tllii  IIEIDENMAUER.  345 

**  Let  us  go  on  !  "  cried  tlic  Count,  excited  nearly  to  mad- 
ness, and  seizing  the  handle  of  his  s\V(jrd  with  iron  grasp. 
'*  'Tis  but  a  hound!  Some  miscreant  hath  loosened  the  dog 
from  his  leash,  and  he  scents  the  footsteps  of  his  late 
master,  who  had  the  habit  of  visiting  the  holy  hermit  that 
dwelt  here  of  late " 

"Hush!"  interrupted  Lottchen,  advancing  hurriedly, 
and  with  a  wild  eye,  from  the  throng  of  females.  "  God  is 
about  to  reveal  his  power  for  some  great  end  I  I  know — 
I  know — that  footstep " 

She  was  fearfully  interrupted,  for  while  speaking,  the 
hounds  rushed  out  of  the  grove,  in  the  swift,  mad  manner 
common  to  the  animal,  and  made  a  rapid  circuit  around 
the  form  of  the  dazzled  and  giddy  woman.  In  the  next 
moment,  a  tottering  wall  gave  way  to  the  powerful  leap  of 
a  human  foot,  and  Lottchen  lay  senseless  on  the  bosom  of 
her  son  ! 

We  draw  a  veil  before  the  sudden  fear,  the  general  sur- 
prise, the  tears,  the  delight,  and  the  more  regulated  joy  of 
the  next  hour. 

At  the  end  of  that  period,  the  scene  had  altogether 
changed.  The  chant  was  ended,  the  order  (;f  the  proces- 
sion was  forgotten,  and  a  burning  curiosity  had  taken 
place  of  all  sensations  of  superstitious  dread.  But  the  au- 
thority of  Emich  had  driven  the  crowd  back  upon  the 
common  of  the  Teufelstein,  where  it  was  compelled  to  con- 
tent itself,  for  the  moment,  with  conjectures,  and  with  tales 
of  similar  sudden  changes  from  the  incarnate  to  the  carnate, 
that  were  reputed  to  have  taken  place  in  the  eventful  his- 
tory of  the  borders  of  the  Rhine. 

The  principal  group  of  actors  had  retired  a  little  within 
the  cover  of  the  cedars,  where,  favoied  bv  the  walls  and 
the  trees,  they  remained  unseen  from  without.  Young 
Berchthold  was  seated  on  a  fragment  oi  fallen  wall,  suj)- 
porting  his  still  half-increduhnis  mother  in  his  arms,  a 
position  which  he  had  received  the  Count's  j^eremptorv, 
but  kind  orders  to  occupy.  Mcta  was  kneeling  before 
Lottchen,  whose  liand  she  held  in  hei-  own,  though  the 
bright  eye  and  glowing  face  of  the  girl  follov.ed,  wilii  un- 
disguised and  ingenuous  interest,  every  glance  and  move- 
ment of  tiie  countenance  of  the  youth.  The  emotions  of 
that  hour  were  tc^o  powerful  for  concealment,  and  had 
there  been  any  secret  concerning  her  sentiments,  surprise 
and  the  sudden  burst  of  feeling  that  was  its  consequence, 


3SO  THE  IIEIDENMAUER. 

would  have  wrung  it  from  her  heart.  Uh-ikc  kneeled  too, 
supporting  the  head  of  her  friend,  but  smiling  and  happy. 
The  Knight  of  Rhodes,  the  Abbe,  Heinrich,  and  the  smith, 
paced  back  and  forth,  as  sentinels,  to  keep  the  curious  at 
a  distance,  though  occasionally  stopping  to  catch  sentences 
of  the  discourse.  Emich  leaned  on  his  sword,  rejoicing 
that  his  apprehensions  were  groundless,  and  we  should  do 
injustice  to  his  rude  but  not  ungenerous  feelings,  did  we 
not  say,  glad  to  find  that  Berchthold  was  still  in  the 
flesh.  When  we  add  that  the  dogs  played  their  frisky 
gambols  around  the  crowd  on  the  common,  which  could 
hardly  yet  believe  in  their  earthly  character,  our  picture  is 
finislied. 

The  deserving  of  this  world  may  be  divided  into  two 
great  classes  ;  the  actively  and  the  passively  good.  Uhike 
belonged  to  the  former,  for  tliough  she  felt  as  strongly  as 
most  others,  an  instinctive  rectitude  rarely  failed  to  sug- 
gest some  affirmative  duty  for  every  crisis  that  arrived.  It 
was  she,  then  (and  we  here  beg  to  tell  the  reader  plainly, 
she  is  our  heroine),  that  gave  such  a  direction  to  the  dis- 
course as  was  most  likely  to  explain  what  was  unknov»m, 
without  harassing  anew  feelings  that  had  been  so  long  and 
so  sorely  tried. 

"  And  thou  art  now  absolved  from  thy  vow,  Berchthold  !" 
she  asked,  after  one  of  those  short  interrupticms,  in  which 
the  exquisite  happiness  of  such  a  meeting  was  best  ex- 
pressed by  silent  sympathy.  "  The  Benedictines  have  no 
longer  any  claim  to  thy  silence  ?  " 

"  They  set  the  return  of  the  pilgrims  as  their  own  period, 
and,  as  I  first  learned  the  agreeable  tidings  by  seeing  you 
all  in  the  procession,  I  had  called  in  the  hounds,  who  were 
scouring  the  chase,  and  was  about  to  hurry  down  to  pre- 
sent myself,  when  1  met  you  all  at  the  gateway  of  the 
camp.  Our  meeting  would  have  taken  place  in  the  valley, 
but  that  duty  required  me  first  to  visit  the  Herr  Odo  Von 
Ritterstein^ — " 

''The  Herr  Von  Ritterstein  !"  exclaimed  Ulrike,  turn- 
ing pale. 

"  What  of  my  ancient  comrade,  the  Herr  Odo,  boy  ? " 
demanded  Emich.  "  This  is  the  first  we  have  heard  of 
him  since  the  night  the  Abbey  fell." 

"  I  have  told  my  tale  badly,"  returned  Berchthold,  laugh- 
ing and  blushing,  for  he  was  neither  too  old  nor  too  prac- 
tised to  blush, ''  since  I  have  forgotten  to  name  the  Herr  Odo." 


THE  IIEIDEXMAUEK.  351 

**  Thou  told  us  of  a  companion,"  rejoined  his  mother, 
glancing  a  look  at  Ulrike,  and  raising  herself  from  tiie  sup- 
port of  her  son,  instinctively  aliv^e  to  her  friend's  embar- 
rassment, "  but  thou  called  him  merely  a  religious." 

"  I  should  have  said  the  holy  Hermit,  whom  all  now  • 
know  to  be  the  Baron  Von  Ritterstein.  When  obliged  to 
fly  from  the  falling  roof,  I  met  the  Herr  Odo  kneeUng  be- 
fore an  altar,  and  recalling  the  form  of  one  who  had  shown 
me  much  favor,  it  was  he  that  I  dragged  with  me  to 
the  crypt. — I  surely  spoke  of  our  wounds  and  helpless- 
ness !" 

"True  ;  but  without  naming  tliy  companion." 

"It  was  the  Herr  Odo,  Heaven  l)e  praised  !  When  the 
monks  found  us,  on  the  following  day,  unable  to  resist,  and 
weakened  with  hunger  and  loss  of  blood,  we  were  secretly 
removed  together,  as  ye  have  heard,  and  cared  for  in  a 
manner  to  restore  us  both,  in  go(Kl  time,  to  our  strength 
and  to  the  use  of  our  limbs.  Why  tlie  Benedictines  chose 
to  keep  us  secret,  I  know  not ;  but  this  silly  tale  of  the  su- 
pernatural huntsman,  and  of  dogs  loosened  from  their 
leash,  would  seem  to  prove  that  they  liad  hopes  of  still 
working  on  the  superstition  of  the  country." 

"  Wilhelm  of  Venloo  had  nought  to  do  wMth  this  !  "  ex- 
claimed Emich,  who  had  been  musing  deeply.  "  The  un- 
derlings have  continued  the  game  after  it  was  abandoned 
by  their  betters." 

"  This  may  be  so,  my  good  Lord  ;  for  I  thought  Father 
Bonifacius  more  than  disposed  to  let  us  depart.  But  we 
were  kept  until  the  matters  of  the  compensation  and  of  the 
pilgrimage  were  settled.  They  found  us  easy  abettors  in 
their  plot,  if  plot  to  work  upon  the  fears  of  Duerckheim 
was  in  their  policy  ;  for  when  they  pledged  their  faith  that 
my  two  mothers  and  dearest  Meta  had  been  let  into  the 
secret  of  ouv  safety,  I  felt  no  extraordinary  haste  to  quit 
leeches  so  skilful,  and  so  likely  to  make  a  speedy  cure  of 
our  hurts." 

"And  did  Bonifacius  afllrm  this  lie  ?  " 

"  I  say  not  the  Ablx^t,  my  Lord  Count,  but  most  cer- 
tainly the  Brothers  Cuno  and  Siegfried  said  all  this  and 
more — the  malediction  of  a  wronged  son,  and  of  a  most 
foully  treated  mother " 

His  mouth  was  stopped  by  the  hand  of  Meta. 

"  We  will  forgive  past  sorrow  for  the  present  joy,"  mur- 
mured the  weeping  girl. 


352  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

The  angry  and  flushed  brow  of  Berchthold  grew  more 
cahii,  and  the  discourse  continued  in  a  gentler  strain. 

Emich  now  walked  away  to  join  the  Burgomaster,  and 
together  they  endeavored  to  penetrate  the  motives  which 
had  led  the  monks  to  practise  their  deception.  In  the 
possession  of  so  effectual  a  key,  the  solution  of  the  prob- 
lem was  not  difficult.  The  meeting  of  Bonifacius  and 
the  Count  of  Einsiedlen  had  been  maturely  planned,  and 
the  uncertain  state  of  the  public  mind  in  the  valley  and 
town  was  encouraged  as  so  much  make-weight  in  the  final 
settlement  of  the  Convent's  claims  ;  for  in  that  age,  the 
men  of  the  cloisters  knew  well  how  to  turn  every  weak- 
ness of  humanity  to  good  purpose,  so  far  as  their  own  in- 
terests were  concerned. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

'Tis  over,  and  her  lovely  cheek  is  now 
On  her  hard  pillow." — Rogers. 

On  the  following  morning  the  Count  of  Hartenburg 
took  horse  at  an  early  hour.  His  train,  however,  showed 
that  the  journey  was  to  be  short.  But  Monsieur  Latouche, 
who  mounted  in  company,  wore  the  attire  and  furniture 
of  a  traveller.  It  was  in  truth  the  moment  when  Emich, 
having  used  this  quasi  churchman  for  his  own  ends,  w^as 
about  to  dismiss  him,  with  as  much  courtesy  and  grace  as 
the  circumstances  seemed  to  require.  Perhaps  no  picture 
of  the  different  faces  presented  by  a  Church  that  had  so 
long  enjoyed  an  undisputed  monopoly  in  Christendom,  and 
which,  as  a  consequence,  betrayed  so  strong  a  tendency  to 
abuses,  would  have  been  complete  without  some  notice  of 
such  characters  as  the  Knight  of  the  Cross  and  the  Abbe  ; 
and  it  was,  moreover,  our  duty,  as  faithful  chroniclers,  to 
speak  of  things  as  they  existed,  although  the  accessories 
might  not  have  a  very  capital  connection  with  the  interest 
of  the  principal  subject.  But  here  our  slight  relations 
with  the  Abbe  are  to  cease  altogether,  his  host  having 
treated  him,  as  many  politic  rulers  treat  others  of  his  pro- 
fession, purely  as  the  instrument  of  his  own  views.  Al- 
brecht  of  Viederbach  was.  prepared  to  accompany  his  boon 
associate   far  as  Manheim,  but  with  the  intention  to  return, 


THE   HEIDEiYMAUER.  353 

the  unsettled  state  of  liis  order,  and  liis  consanjiTuinity  with 
the  Count,  renderini^  such  a  course  both  expedient  and 
agreeable.  Young  Berchthold,  too,  was  in  the  saddle,  his 
lord  having,  by  especial  favor,  commanded  the  Forester  to 
keep  at  his  crupper. 

The  cavalcade  ambled  slowly  down  the  Jaegerthal,  the 
Count  courteously  endeavoring  to  show  tlie  departing 
Abbe,  by  a  species  of  misty  logic  that  appears  to  be  the 
poetical  atmosphere  of  diplomacy,  that  he  was  fully  justi- 
fied by  circumstances  for  effecting  all  that  had  been 
done,  and  the  latter  acquiescing  as  readily  in  his  conclu- 
sions as  if  he  did  not  feel  that  he  had  been  an  egregious 
dupe. 

"  Thou  wilt  see  this  matter  rightly  represented  among 
thy  friends,  Master  Latouche,"  concluded  the  Baron — 
*•  should  there  be  question  of  it,  at  the  court  of  thy  Fran- 
cis : — whom  may  Heaven  quickly  restore  to  his  longing 
people — the  right  valiant  and  loyal  Prince  and  gentle- 
man !" 

"  I  will  take  upon  myself,  high-bo«rn  and  ingenuous 
Emich,  to  see  thee  fully  justified,  whenever  there  shall  be 
discussion  of  thy  great  warfare  and  exquisite  policy  at  the 
court  of  France.  Nay  — by  the  mass  !  should  our  jurists, 
or  our  statesmen  take  upon  themselves  to  prove  to  the 
world  that  thy  house  hath  been  wrong  in  this  immortal 
enterprise,  I  pledge  thee  my  faith  to  answer  their  reasons, 
both  logically  and  politically,  to  their  eternal  shame  and 
confusion." 

As  Monsieur  Latouche  uttered  this  promise  with  an  un- 
equivocal sneer,  he  thought  himself  fully  avenged  for  tiie 
silly  part  he  had  been  made  to  act  in  the  Count's  intrigues. 
At  a  later  day  he  often  told  the  tale,  always  concluding 
with  a  recital  of  this  bold  and  ironical  allusion  to  the  petty 
history  of  the  Jaegerthal,  which  not  only  he,  but  a  certain 
portion  of  his  listeners,  seemed  to  think  gave  him  alto- 
gether the  best  of  the  affair.  Satisfied  with  his  success, 
the  Abbe  pricked  on,  to  repeat  it  to  the  knight,  who 
laughed  in  his  sleeve  at  his  friend  wliile  he  most  extt^llcd 
his  wit,  the  two  riding  ahead  in  a  matuicr  to  leave  Emich 
an  occasion  to  speak  in  confidence  with  liis  Forester. 

"Hast  treated  of  this  affair  with  llciniicli,  as  1  bid  thee, 
boy  ?"  demanded  the  Count,  in  a  manner  between  author- 
ity and  affection,  that  he  was  much  accustomed  to  use  with 
Berchthold. 

23 


354    *  ^^^^  IIEIDENMAUER. 

'*  I  have,  my  Lord  Count,  and  right  pressingly,  as  my 
heart  urged,  but  with  little  hope  of  benefit." 

"How? — Doth  the  silly  burgher  still  count  upon  his 
marks,  after  what  hath  passed  !  Didst  tell  him  of  the  in- 
terest I  take  in  the  marriage,  and  of  my  intent  to  name 
thee  to  higher  duties,  in  my  villages  ? " 

"  None  of  these  favors  were  forgotten,  or  aught  else 
that  a  keen  desire  could  suggest,  or  a  willing  memory  re- 
call." 

"  What  answer  had  the  burgher  ?  " 

Berchthold  colored,  hesitating  to  reply.  It  was  only 
when  Emich  sternly  repeated  the  question,  that  the  truth 
was  extorted  from  him  :  for  naus^ht  but  truth  would  one 
SO  loyal  consent  to  use. 

"He  said,  Herr  Count,  that  if  it  was  your  pleasure  to 
name  a  husband  for  his  child,  it  should  also  be  your  pleas- 
ure to  see  that  he  was  not  a  beggar.  I  do  but  give  the 
words  of  the  Herr  Frey  ;  for  which  liberty,  I  beg  my  lord 
to  hold  me  free  of  all  disrespect." 

"  The  niggardly, miser  !  These  hounds  of  Duerckheim 
shall  be  made  to  know  their  master — But  be  of  cheer, 
boy  ;  our  tears  and  pilgrimages  shall  not  be  wasted,  and 
thou  shalt  soon  wive  with  a  fairer  and  better,  as  becometh 
him  I  love." 

"  Nay,  Herr  Emich,  I  do  beseech  and  implore " 

"  Ha  !  Yon  is  the  drivelling  Heinrich  seated  on  a  rock 
of  this  ravine,  like  a  vidette  watching  the  marauders !  Prick 
forward,  Berchthold,  and  desire  my  noble  friends  to  tarry 
at  the  Town-Hall  making  their  compliments  ; — as  for  thee, 
thou  mayest  humor  thy  folly,  and  greet  the  smiling  'face  of 
the  pretty  Meta  the  while." 

The  Forester  dashed  ahead  like  an  arrow :  while  the 
Count  reined  his  own  courser  aside,  turning  into  that  ra- 
vine by  which  the  path  led  to  the  Heidenmauer,  when  the 
ascent  was  made  from  the  side  of  the  valley.  Emich  was 
soon  at  the  Burgomaster's  side,  having  thrown  his  bridle  to 
a  servitor  that  followed. 

"  How  is  this,  brother  Heinrich  ! "  he  cried,  displeasure 
disappearing  in  habitual  policy  and  well  practised  manage- 
ment— "art  still  bent  on  exorcism,  or  hast  neglected  some 
offices,  in  yester's  pilgrimage  ?" 

"  Praised  be  St.  Benedict,  or  Brother  Luther ! — for  I 
know  not  fairly  to  which  the  merit  is  most  due — our 
Duerckheim  is  in  a  thrice  happy  disposition,  as  touching 


THE  IIEIDEN-MAUER.  355 

all  witchcraft,  and  devilry,  or  even  churchly  miracles. 
Tliis  mystery  of  the  hounds  being  so  happily  settled,  the 
public  mind  seemcth  to  have  taken  a  sudden  change,  and 
from  sweating  in  broad  daylight  at  the  nestling  oi  a  mouse, 
or  the  hop  of  a  cricket,  our  crones  are  ready  to  set  demon- 
ology  and  Lucifer  himself  at  defiance." 

"The  lucky  clearing  up  of  that  difficulty  will,  in  sooth, 
do  much  to  favor  the  late  Saxon  opinions  and  may  go 
near  to  set  the  monk  of  Wittenberg  firmly  upon  his  feet, 
in  our  country.  Thou  seest,  Heinrich,  that  a  dilemma  so 
unriddled  is  worth  a  library  of  musty  Latin  maxims." 

'^  That  is  it,  Ilcrr  Emich,  and  the  more  especially  as  we 
are  a  reasoning  town.  Our  minds  once  fairly  enlightened, 
it  is  no  easy  matter  to  throw  them  into  the  shade  again. 
It  was  seen  how  sorely  the  best  of  us  were  troubled  with  a 
couple  of  vagrant  dogs  so  lately  as  yesterday,  and  now  I 
much  question  if  the  whole  of  the  gallant  pack  would  so 
much  as  raise  a  doubt  !  We  have  had  a  lucky  escape,  Lord 
Count,  for  another  day  of  uncertainty  would  have  gone 
nigh  to  set  up  Limburg  church  again,  and  that  without 
the  masonry  of  the  devil.  There  is  naught  so  potent  in  an 
argument,  as  a  little  apprehension  of  losses  or  of  plagues 
throw^n  into  the  scale.  Wisdom  weighs  light  against  profit 
or  fear." 

'*  It  is  well  as  it  is,  though  Limburg  roof  will  never  again 
cover  Limburg  wall,  friend  Heinrich,  while  an  Emich  rules 
in  Ilartenburg  and  Duerckhcim." — The  Count  saw  the 
cloud  on  the  Burgomaster's  brow  as  he  uttered  the  latter 
word,  and  slapping  him  familiarly  on  a  shoulder,  he  added 
so  quickly  as  to  prevent  reflection  : — "  But  how  now,  Ilerr 
Frey  ;  why  art  at  watch  in  this  solitary  ravine  ?" 

Heinrich  was  flattered  by  the  noble's  condescension,  and 
not  displeased  to  have  a  listener  io  his  tale.  First  looking 
about  him  to  see  that  no  one  could  overhear  their  discourse, 
he  answered  on  a  lower  kev,  in  the  manner  in  which  com- 
munications that  need  confidence  are  usuailv  made. 

"You  know,  llerr  Emich,  this  weakness  of  Ulrike,  con- 
cerning hermitages  and  monks,  altarsand  saints'  days,  witli 
all  those  other  practices  of  which  we  mav  now  reasonably 
expect  to  be  quit,  sinc(!  late  rumors  sp<'ak  niarv(^ls  of  Lu- 
ther's success.  Well,  the  good  woman  would  have  a  wish 
to  come  upon  the  Heidenmauc^r  this  morning,  and  as  there 
liad  been  some  warm  argument  between  us,  and  the  poor 
wife  had  wept  much  concerning  marrying  our  child  with 


3S6  THE  IIEIDENMAUER. 

young  Berchthold,  a  measure  out  of  all  prudence  and 
reason,  as  you  must  see,  nobly-born  Count,  I  was  fain  wil- 
ling to  escort  her  thus  far,  that  she  might  give  vent  to  her 
sorrow  in  godly  discourse  with  the  hermit." 

"  And  Ulrike  is  above,  in  the  cedars,  with  the  anchorite  ? " 

*'  As  sure  as  I  am  here  waiting  her  return.  Lord  Count." 

**  Thou  art  a  gallant  husband,  Master  Frey  ! — Wert  wont 
of  old  to  resort  much  with  the  Herr  Odo  Von  Ritterstein 
— he  who  playeth  this  masquerade  of  penitence  and  seclu- 
sion ? " 

"  Sapperment  ! — I  never  could  endure  the  arrogant ! 
Bat  Ulrike  fancieth  he  hath  qualities  that  are  not  so  evil, 
and  a  woman's  taste,  like  a  child's  humors,  is  easiest  altered 
by  giving  it  scope." 

Emich  laid  both  hands  on  the  shoulders  of  his  companion, 
looking  him  full  and  earnestly  in  the  face.  The  glances 
that  were  exchanged  in  this  attitude,  were  pregnant  with 
meaning.  That  of  the  Count  expressed  the  distrust,  tlie 
contempt,  and  the  wonder  of  a  man  of  loose  life,  while  that 
of  the  Burgomaster,  by  appearing  to  reflect  tlie  character 
of  the  woman  who  had  so  long  been  his  wife,  expressed 
volumes  in  her  favor.  No  language  could  have  said  more 
for  Ulrike's  principles  and  purity,  than  the  simple,  hearty, 
and  unalterable  confidence  of  the  man  who  necessarily  had 
so  many  opportunities  of  knowing  her.  Neither  spoke, 
until  the  Count,  releasing  his  grasp,  walked  slowly  up  the 
mountain,  saying  in  a  voice  which  proved  how  strongly  he 
felt— 

"  I  would  thy  consort  had  been  noble,  Heinrich  !  " 

"  Nay,  my  good  lord,"  answered  the  Burgomaster,  "  the 
wish  were  scarcely  kind  to  a  friend !  In  that  case,  I  could 
not  have  wived  the  Frau." 

"Tell  me,  good  Heinrich — for  I  never  heard  the  history 
of  thy  love — wert  thou  and  thy  proposal  well  received, 
when  first  offered  to  the  viro^in  heart  of  Herr  Hailtzineer's 
daughter?" 

The  Burgomaster  was  not  displeased  with  an  opportu- 
nity of  alluding  to  a  success  that  had  made  him  the  envy  of 
his  equals. 

"The  end  must  speak  for  the  means,  Herr  Count,"  he 
answered  chuckling.  "  Ulrike  is  none  of  your  free  and 
froward  spirits  to  jump  out  of  a  window,  or  to  meet  a 
youth  more  than  half-way,  but  such  encouragement  as  be- 
cometh  maiden  diffidence  was  not  wanting,  or  mine  own 


THE   HEIDENMA  UER. 


357 


ill  opinion  of  myself  might  have  kept  me  a  bachelor  to 
this  hour." 

Eniich  chafed  to  hear  such  language  coming  from  one  he 
so  little  respected,  and  applied  to  one  he  had  really  loved. 
The  effort  to  swallow  his  spleen  produced  a  short  silence,  of 
which  we  shall  avail  ourselves  to  transfer  this  scene  to  the 
hut  of  the  lieriuit,  where  there  was  an  interview  that 
proved  decisive  of  the  future  fortunes  of  several  of  the 
characters  of  our  tale. 

The  day  which  sticceeded  the  restoration  of  Berchthold 
had  been  one  of  general  joy  and  felicitation  in  Duerck- 
heim.  There  was  an  end  to  the  doubts  of  the  timid  and 
superstitious,  concerning  an  especial  and  an  angry  visita- 
tion from  Heaven,  as  a  merited  punishment  for  overturn- 
ing the  altars  of  the  Abbey,  and  few  were  so  destitute  of 
good  feeling,  not  to  sympathize  in  the  happiness  of  those 
who  had  so  bitterly  mourned  the  fancied  death  of  the  For- 
ester. As  is  usual  in  cases  of  violent  transitions,  the  reac- 
tion helped  to  lessen  the  influence  of  the  monks,  and  even 
those  most  inclined  to  doubt  \vere  now  encouraged  to 
hope  that  the  religious  change,  which  was  so  fast  gaining 
ground,  might  not  produce  all  the  horrors  that  had  been 
dreaded. 

Heinrich  has  revealed  the  nature  of  the  discussion  that 
took  place  between  himself  and  his  wife.  The  latter  liad 
endeavored  in  vain  to  seize  the  favorable  moment  to  work 
upon  the  feelings  of  the  Burgomaster,  in  the  interests  uf 
the  lovers  ;  but  though  sincerely  glad  that  a  youth  who 
had  shown  such  mettle  in  danger  was  not  the  victim  of  his 
courage,  Heinrich  was  not  of  a  temperament  to  let  any 
admiration  of  generous  deeds  affect  the  settled  policy  of  a 
•whole  life.  It  was  at  the  close  of  this  useless  and  painful 
conference,  that  the  mother  suddenly  demanded  jicrmis- 
sion  of  her  husband  to  visit  the  hermit,  who  had  been  left, 
as  before  the  recent  events,  in  undisturbed  possession  of 
the  dreaded  Heidenmauer. 

Any  other  than  a  man  constituted  like  Heinrich  migli(.  at 
such  a  moment,  have  heard  this  request  witli  distrust.  Hut 
strong  in  his  opinifm  of  himself,  and  acrustomed  to  c-oiilidc 
in  his  wife,  the  obstinate  Burgomaster  haiK-d  the  applica- 
tion as  a  means  of  relieving  him  from  a  discussion,  in 
which,  while  he  scarce  knew  how  ]:)lausil)ly  to  defend  his 
opinion,  he  was  resolutely  determined  not  to  yield.  The 
manner  in  which  he   volunteered   tw   accompany  his  wife, 


358  THE  HEIDEiYMAUER. 

and  in  which  he  remained  patiently  awaiting  her  return, 
and  the  commencement  of  his  dialogue  with  Emich  are 
known.  With  this  short  explanation,  we  shall  shift  the 
scene  to  the  hut  of  the  anchorite. 

Odo  of  Ritterstein  was  pale  with  loss  of  blood  from  the 
w^ounds  received  from  a  fragment  of  the  falling  roof, 
but  paler  still  by  the  force  of  that  inward  fire  which  con- 
sumed him.  The  features  of  his  fair  and  gentle  compan- 
ion were  not  bright,  as  usual,  though  naught  could  rob 
Ulrike  of  that  winning  beauty  which  owed  so  much  of  its 
charm  to  expression.  Both  appeared  agitated  with  what 
had  already  passed  between  them,  and  perhaps  still  rriore 
by  those  feelings,  which  each  had  struggled  to  conceal. 

''  Thou  hast  indeed  had  many  moving  passages  in  thy 
life,  Odo,"  said  the  gentle  Ulrike,  who  was  seemingly  listen- 
ing to  some  recital  from  the  other's  lips  ;  "and  this  last  mi- 
raculous escape  from  death  is  among  the  most  wonderful." 

"  That  I  should  have  perished  beneath  the  roof  of  Lim- 
burg,  on  the  anniversary  of  my  crime,  and  with  the  fall  of 
those  altars  I  violated,  would  have  been  so  just  a  manifes- 
tation of  Heaven's  displeasure,  Ulrike,  that  even  now  I  can 
scarce  believe  I  am  permitted  to  live  !  Thou  then  thought 
in  common  with  others,  that  I  had  been  released  from  this 
life  of  woe  ? " 

"  Thou  lookest  with  an  unthankful  eye  at  what  thou  hast 
of  hope  and  favor,  or  thou  wouldst  not  use  a  term  so  un- 
grateful in  speaking  of  thy  sorrows.  Remember,  Odo, 
that  our  joys,  in  this  being,  are  tainted  with  mortality,  and 
that  thy  unhappiness  does  not  surpass  that  of  thousands 
who  still  struggle  with  their  duties." 

"  This  is  the  difference  between  the  unquiet  ocean  and 
tranquil  waters — between  the  oak  and  the  reed !  The  cur- 
rent of  thy  calm  existence  may  be  ruffled  by  the  casual  in- 
terruption of  some  trifling  obstacle,  but  the  gentle  surface 
soon  subsides,  leaving  the  element  limpid  and  without 
stain  !  Thy  course  is  that  of  the  flowing  and  pure  spring, 
while  m|ne  is  the  torrent's  mad  and  turbulent  leaps.  Thou 
Jiast  indeed  well  said,  Ulrike,  God  did  not  form  us  for  each 
other!'' 

"  Whatever  nature  rnay  have  done  towards  suiting  our 
dispositions  and  desires,  Odo,  Providence  and  the  world's 
usages  ha,ve  interpose^  to  defeat." 

The  hermit  gazed  at  the  piild  speaker  with  eyes  so  fixed 
and  dazzling,  that  she  bowed  her  gvvn  look  to  the  earth. 


THE  IIEIDEN'MAUER.  359 

"No,"  he  murmured  rapidly,  "  Heaven  and  earth  have 
different  destinies — the  lion  and  the  lamb  different  in- 
stincts !  " 

"  Nay,  I  will  none  of  this  disreputable  depreciation  of 
thyself,  poor  Odo.  That  thou  hast  been  erring,  we  shall 
not  deny — for  wlio  is  without  reproach  ? — but  that  thou 
meritest  these  harsh  epithets,  none  but  thyself  would  vent- 
ure to  affirm." 

"  I  have  met  with  many  enigmas,  Ulrikc,  in  an  eventful 
and  busy  life — I  have  seen  those  who  worked  both  good 
and  evil — encountered  those  who  have  defeated  their 
own  ends  by  their  own  wayward  means — but  never  have  I 
known  one  so  devoted  to  the  right,  that  seemed  so  dis- 
posed to  extenuate  the  sinner's  faults  !  " 

"  Then  hast  thou  never  met  the  true  lover  of  God  or 
known  a  Christian.  It  matters  not,  Odo,  whether  we  ad- 
mit of  this  or  that  form  of  faith — the  fruit  of  the  right  tree 
is  charity  and  self-abasement,  and  these  teach  us  to  think 
humbly  of  ourselves  and  kindly  of  others." 

*'Thou  began  early  to  practise  these  golden  rules,  or 
surely  thou  never  wouldst  have  forgotten  thine  own  excel- 
lence, or  have  been  ready  to  sacrifice  it  to  the  heedless  im- 
pulses of  one  so  reckless  as  him  to  whom  thou  wast  be- 
trothed!" 

The  eye  of  Ulrike  grew  brighter,  but  it  was  merely  be- 
cause a  tinge  of  color  diffused  itself  on  her  features. 

*'  I  know  not  for  what  good  purpose,  Herr  Von  Ritter- 
stein,"  she  said,  "that  these  allusions  are  now  made.  Vou 
know  that  I  have  come  to  make  a  last  effort  to  secure  the 
peace  of  Meta.  Berchthold  spoke  to  me  of  your  intcntit)n 
to  reward  the  service  he  did  your  life,  and  I  have  now  to 
say,  that  if  in  aught  you  can  do  the  youth  favor,  the  mo- 
ment when  it  will  be  most  acceptable,  hath  come — for  T.ott- 
chen  has  been  too  sorely  stricken  to  bear  up  long  against 
further  grief." 

The  hermit  was  reproved.  He  turned  slowly  to  one  of 
his  receptacles  of  worldly  stores,  and  drew  forth  a  ]')ack{-t. 
The  rattling  told  his  companion  tliat  it  was  of  parchment, 
and  she  waited  the  resuh  with  ciu'ious  interest. 

"  I  will  scarce  say,  Ulrike,"  he  replied,  "  that  this  deed 
is  the  price  of  a  life  that  is  scarce  worth  the  gift.  Karly 
in  my  acquaintance  witli  young  Herciithold  and  Meta,  I 
wrung  their  secret  from  tliem  ;  and  from  tiiat  moment  it 
hath  been  my  greatest   pleasure  to  devise  means  to  secure 


360  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

the  happiness  of  one  so  dear  to  thee.  I  found  in  the  child, 
the  simple,  ingenuous  faith  which  was  so  admirable  in  the 
mother,  and  shall  I  say  that  reverence  for  the  latter  quick- 
ened the  desire  to  serve  her  offspring?" 

"I  certainly  owe  thee  thanks,  Herr  Von  Ritterstein,  for 
the  constancy  of  this  good  opinion,"  returned  Ulrike, 
showing  sensibility. 

**  Thank  me  not,  but  rather  deem  the  desire  to  serve  thy 
child  a  tribute  that  repentant  error  gladly  pays  to  virtue. 
Thou  knowest  that  I  am  the  last  of  my  race,  and  there  re- 
mained naught  but  to  endow  some  religious  house,  to  let 
my  estate  and  gold  pass  to  the  feudal  prince,  or  to  do  this." 

"  I  could  not  have  thought  it  easy  to  effect  this  change, 
in  opposition  to  the  Elector's  interests  !  " 

"  Those  have  been  looked  to  ;  a  present  fine  has  smoothed 
the  way,  and  these  parchments  contain  all  that  is  neces- 
sary to  install  young  Berchthold  as  my  substitute  and 
heir." 

"Friend! — dear,  generous  friend!"  exclaimed  the 
mother,  moved  to  tears,  for,  at  that  moment,  Ulrike  saw 
nothing  but  the  future  happiness  of  her  child  assured,  and 
Berchthold  restored  to  more  than  his  former  hopes — 
"generous  and  noble  Odo  !  " 

The  hermit  arose,  and  placed  the  parchment  in  her  hand, 
in  the  manner  of  one  long  prepared  to  perform  the  act. 

"And  now,  Ulrike,"  he  said  with  a  forced  calm,  "this 
solemn  and  imperative  duty  done,  there  remaineth  but  the 
last  leave-taking." 

"  Leave-taking! — Thou  wilt  live  with  Meta  and  Bercht- 
hold,— the  castle  of  Ritterstein  will  be  thy  resting-place, 
after  so  much  sorrow  and  suffering !  " 

"  This  may  not  be — my  vow — my  duties — Ulrike,  I  fear, 
my  prudence  forbids." 

"Thy  prudence  ! — Thou  art  no  longer  young,  dear  Odo, 
privations  thou  hast  hitherto  despised  will  overload  thy  in- 
creasing years,  and  we  shall  not  be  happy  with  the  knowl- 
edge that  thou  art  suffering  for  the  very  conveniences 
which  thine  own  liberality  hath  conferred  on  others.  " 

"  Habit  hath  taken  nature's  place,  and  the  hermitage  and 
the  camp  are  no  longer  strangers  to  me.  If  thou  wouldst 
secure  not  only  my  peace,  but  my  salvation,  Ulrike,  let  me 
depart.  I  have  already  lingered  too  long  near  a  scene 
which  is  filled  with  recollections  that  prove  dread  enemies 
to  the  penitent." 


THE   HEJDEI^MAURR.  361 

Ulrike  recoiled,  and  her  cheek  blanched  to  paleness. 
Every  limb  trembled,  for  that  quick  sympathy,  wiiich 
neither  time  nor  duty  had  entirely  extinguished,  silently 
admonished  her  of  his  meaning.  There  was  a  fervor  in 
his  voice,  too,  that  thrilled  on  her  ear  like  tones  which, 
spite  of  all  her  care,  the  truant  imagination  would  some- 
times recall  ;  for,  in  no  subsequent  condition  of  life,  can 
a  woman  entirely  forget  the  long  cherished  sounds  with 
which  true  love  first  greets  the  maiden  ear. 

"Odo,"  said  a  voice  so  gentle  that  it  caused  the  heart  of 
the  anchorite  to  beat,  ''when  dost  thou  think  to  depart  ?" 

"This  day — this  hour — this  minute.* 

"I  believe — yes — thou  art  right  to  go  !" 

"  Ulrike,  God  will  keep  thee  in  mind.  Pray  often  for 
me." 

"  Farewell,  dear  Odo." 

"  God  bless  thee — may  He  have  mercy  on  me  !  " 

There  was  then  a  short  pause.  The  hermit  approached 
and  lifted  his  hands  in  the  attitude  of  benediction  ;  twice 
he  seemed  about  to  clasp  the  unresisting  Ulrike  to  his 
bosom,  but  her  meek,  tearful  countenance  repressed  the 
act,  and,  muttering  a  prayer,  he  rushed  from  the  hut. 
Left  to  herself,  Ulrike  sank  on  a  stool,  and  remained  like 
an  image  of  woe,  tears  flowing  in  streams  down  her 
cheeks. 

Some  minutes  elapsed  before  the  wife  of  Heinrich  Frcy 
was  aroused  from  her  forgetfulness.  Then  the  approacii 
of  footsteps  told  her  that  she  was  no  longer  alone.  For 
the  first  time  in  her  life,  Ulrike  endeavored  to  conceal  her 
emotion  with  a  sentiment  of  shame  ;  but  ere  this  could  be 
effected,  the  Count  and  Heinrich  entered. 

"  Wiiat  hast  done  with  p(Jor  Odo  \ox\  Ritterstein,  g(Kjd 
Frau  ;  that  man  of  sin  and  sorrow  ?"  dcnuuKlcd  the  lalier, 
in  his  hearty,  unsuspecting  manner. 

"He  has  left  us,  IJeinrich." 

"  For  his  castle  ! — well,  the  man  hatli  had  his  share  of 
sorrow,  and  ease  mav  not  yet  come  tcjo  late.  The  life  of 
Odo,  Lord  Count,  hath  not  been,  like  our  own  liistories, 
of  a  nature  to  make  him  ( t)ntciit.  Had  that  affair  of  ihc 
Host,  though  at  the  Ix.'st  but  an  irreverent  nnd  unwanant- 
able  act,  happened  in  these  days,  less  might  have  been 
thought  of  it  ;  and  then,  (tapping  his  wife's  check)  to  lose 
Ulrike's  favor  was  no  slight  calauiily  of  itself. — But  what 
have  we  here  ? " 


362  THE  HEIDENMAUER. 

"  'Tis  a  deed,  by  which  the  Herr  Von  Ritterstein  invests 
Berchthold  with  his  worldly  effects." 

The  Burgomaster  hastily  unfolded  the  ample  parch- 
ment. At  a  glance,  though  unable  to  comprehend  the 
Latin  of  the  instrument,  his  accustomed  eye  saw  that  all 
the  usual  appliances  were  there.  Turning  suddenly  to 
Emich,  for  he  was  not  slow  to  comprehend  the  cause  of 
the  gift,  he  exclaimed — 

'•''  Here  is  manna  in  the  wilderness  !  Our  differences  are 
all  happily  settled,  nobly-born  Count,  and  next  to  accord- 
ing the  hand  of  Meta  to  the  owner  of  the  lands  of  Ritter- 
stein, I  hold  it  a  pleasure  to  oblige  an  illustrious  friend 
and  patron.  Henceforth,  Herr  Emich,  let  there  be  nought 
but  fair  words  between  us." 

Since  entering  the  hut,  the  Count  had  not  spoken.  His 
look  had  studied  the  tearful  eyes,  and  colorless  cheeks  of 
Ulrike,  and  he  put  his  own  constructions  on  the  scene. 
Still  he  did  the  fair  wife  of  the  burgher  justice,  for,  though 
less  credulous  than  Heinrich  on  the  subject  of  his  con- 
sort's affections,  he  too  well  knew  the  spotless  character 
of  her  mind,  to  change  the  opinion  her  virtue  had  extorted 
from  him,  in  early  youth.  He  accepted  the  conditions  of 
his  friend,  with  as  much  apparent  frankness  as  they  were 
offered,  and,  after  a  few  short  explanations,  the  whole 
party  left  the  Heidenmauer  together. 

Our  task  is  ended.  On  the  following  day  Berchthold 
and  Meta  were  united.  The  Castle  and  the  Town  vied 
with  each  other  in  doing  honor  to  the  nuptials,  and  Ulrike 
and  Lottchen  endeavored  to  forget  their  own  permanent 
causes  of  sorrow  in  the  happiness  of  their  children. 

In  due  time  Berchthold  took  possession  of  his  lands,  re- 
moving with  his  bride  and  mother  to  the  Castle  of  Ritter- 
stein, which  he  always  affected  to  hold  merely  as  the 
trustee  of  its  absent  owner.  Gottlob  was  promoted  in  his 
service,  and  having  succeeded  in  persuading  Gisela  to  for- 
get the  gay  cavalier  who  had  frequented  Hartenburg, 
these  two  wayward  spirits  settled  down  into  a  half-loving, 
half-wrangling  couple,  for  the  rest  of  their  lives. 

Duerckheim,  as  is  commonly  the  case  with  the  second- 
ary actors  in  most  great  changes,  shared  the  fate  of  the 
frogs  in  tlie  fable  ;  it  got  rid  of  the  Benedictines  for  a 
new  master,  and  though  the  Burgomaster  and  Dietrich,  in 
after-life,  had  many  wise  discourses  concerning  the  nature 
of  the  revolution  of  Limburg,  as  the  first  affected  to  call 


THE   IIKIDENMAUER.  363 

the  destruction  of  the  Abbey,  he  never  could  very  clearly 
explain  to  the  understanding  of  the  latter,  the  great  prin- 
cij'ilcs  of  its  merits.  Still  the  smith  was  not  the  less  an  ad- 
mirer of  the  Count,  and  to  this  day  his  descendants  show 
the  figure  of  a  marble  cherub,  as  a  trophy  brouglit  away 
by  their  ancestor  on  that  occasion, 

Bonifacius  and  his  monks  found  shelter  in  other  con- 
vents, each  endeavoring  to  lessen  the  blow,  by  such  ex- 
pedients as  best  suited  his  tastes  and  character.  The  pious 
Arnolph  persevered  to  the  end,  and,  believing  charity  to  be 
the  fairest  attribute  of  the  Christian,  he  never  ceased  to 
pray  for  the  enemies  of  the  Church,  or  to  toil  that  they 
might  have  the  benefit  of  his  intercession. 

As  for  Odo  Von  Ritterstein,  the  country  was  long  moved 
by  different  talcs  of  his  fate.  One  rumor — and  it  had  much 
currency — said  he  was  serving  in  compan}-  with  Albrecht  of 
Viederbach,  who  rejoined  his  brother  knights,  and  that  he 
died  on  the  sands  of  Africa.  But  there  is  another  tradition 
extant  in  the  Jaegethal,  touching  his  end.  It  is  said,  that, 
thirty  years  later,  after  Heinrich,  and  Emich  of  Leiningen, 
and  most  of  the  other  actors  of  this  legend,  had  been  called 
to  their  great  accounts,  an  aged  wanderer  came  to  the  gate 
of  Ritterstein,  demanding  shelter  for  the  night.  He  is  re- 
ported to  have  been  well  received  by  Meta,  her  husband 
and  son  being  then  absent  in  the  wars,  and  to  have  greatly 
interested  his  hostess  by  the  histories  he  gave  of  customs 
and  events  in  distant  regions.  Pleased  with  her  guest,  the 
Madame  Von  Ritterstein  (for  Berchthold  had  purchased 
this  appellation  by  his  courage)  urged  him  to  rest  himself 
another  day  within  her  walls.  From  comnnuiicating,  the 
stranger  began  to  inquire  ;  and  he  so  knew  how  to  put  his 
questions,  that  he  soon  obtained  the  history  of  the  family, 
Ulrike  was  the  last  he  named  ;  and  the  younger  female  in- 
mates of  the  castle  fancied  that  his  manner  changed  as  he 
listened  to  the  account  of  the  close  of  her  life,  and  of  hcr 
peaceful  and  pious  end.  The  stranger  departed  that  very 
day,  nor  would  his  visit  probably  have  been  rememberetl, 
had  not  his  body  been  shortly  after  found  in  the  hut  of  tlic 
Ileidenmaut'r,  stiffened  bv  death.  Those  who  love  to  throw 
a  coloring  of  romance  over  the;  affect  ions,  are  fond  of  be- 
lieving this  was  the  hermit,  who  had  found  a  secret  satis- 
faction, even  at  the  close  of  S{j  long  a  life,  in  breathini^  his 
last  on  the  sjxjt  where  he  had  finally  separated  from  the 
woman  he  had  so  long  and  fruitlessly  loved. 


364  THE  HEIDENMAUER, 

To  this  tradition — true  or  false — we  attach  no  impor- 
tance. Our  object  has  been  to  show,  by  a  rapidly-traced 
picture  of  life,  the  reluctant  manner  in  which  the  mind  o\ 
man  abandons  old,  to  receive  new  impressions — the  incon- 
sistencies between  profession  and  practice — the  error  in 
confounding  the  good  with  the  bad,  in  any  sect  or  per- 
suasion— the  common  and  governing  principles  that  control 
the  selfish,  under  every  shade  and  degree  of  existence — • 
and  the  high  and  immutable  qualities  of  the  good,  the  virt- 
uous and  of  the  really  noble. 


THE  END. 


y  14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

LOAN  DEPT. 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 
on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 

Renewed  hopks  %se  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


REG  D  LP 


FEB  27  1959 


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General  Library 

University  of  California 

Berkeley 


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